Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER the final whistle at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, in Zimbabwe’s 2-0 loss to South Africa, a new chapter may have been opened for Martin Mapisa.
Amidst the despair, this quiet hero emerged.
The goalkeeper had proved just why he has so far managed to inspire Premiership debutants MWOS to be top of the Premiership. The 26-year-old was the difference between a Warriors defeat and total humiliation. He repelled the opponent’s eight corner kicks and four gilt-edged chances with his lightning reflexes and impeccable positioning.
“Mapisa saved us,” declared Cosmas Manyere, a football fan, highlighting the goalkeeper’s saves.
The goalkeeper has for too long played second fiddle to Washington Arubi in the Warriors set-up.
Being dispatched with the COSAFA squad, made up mostly of players around 20, may just have been a blessing in disguise.
His has been a fairytale that could be for the archives.
Moving away from Spain, walking out of Dynamos, and joining newcomers in the league, MWOS, are decisions never for the fainthearted.
And now this!
While Zimbabwe’s forwards struggled to find the net, managing only two corner kicks the entire game, Mapisa, their unsung hero, never disappointed, albeit in a match they were knocked out of the competition.
“Of late, we became obsessed with seniors Washington Arubi and Elvis Chipezeze so much that we barely mentioned Mapisa and others,” said Fanuel Maranganwa, another football fan.
“I am charmed with what he did against South Africa, he really saved us from what could have been a bigger margin and now I have so much respect for him.”
Mapisa’s performance was in itself a big statement made.
The loss left Zimbabwe at the bottom of the group standings with a solitary point, having drawn their opening match against Mauritius.
In the group’s other fixtures, Mozambique and Mauritius played a 1-1 draw, a result that further complicated Zimbabwe’s position.
Mozambique now sit at the top in the group with four points to its name, while South Africa are second placed with three and Mauritius (two) just a point above the Warriors.
“We are here to support our Warriors and we do it wholeheartedly, focusing largely on the positives and lessons.
“Even if we support with calculators in our hands, busy calculating the odds of us making it through we still carry so much patriotism and pride in the national colours,” said Ogriva “Ogege” Jeure, a fan.
