Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub
VETERAN goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya says returning to his roots in Kwekwe has re-energised his game and spirit. The experienced shot-stopper was born and bred in the gold-rich mining town, where he now turns out for Central Region Soccer League side, Hardrock.
Last season, Mawaya featured for Hwange in the Premier Soccer League, but following the coal miners’ relegation, he retraced his steps home. At Hardrock, he has been one of the driving forces behind the club’s strong start to the season.
They are currently second on the log standings with 10 points from four matches, just two behind early pacesetters Sheasham. The former Ngezi Platinum Stars, Harare City, and ZPC Kariba goalkeeper has played all four matches, keeping four clean sheets. He believes this is only the beginning of something special.
“The secret to the good start to the season is through hard work. As a goalkeeper, I feel very happy keeping clean sheets and I want to work hard as much as I can to have more clean sheets, and my target is securing at least 15 clean sheets this season,” Mawaya told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Mawaya was one of the marquee signings for the Kasongo Boys, as Hardrock are affectionately known. Other seasoned players who joined the club at the start of the year include Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, Lennox Mucheto, Cleopas Dube, and Donald Ngoma, among others. But for the imposing goalkeeper, there’s a unique bond with the hometown crowd that’s elevating his game.
“What motivates me the most at Hardrock is that the team is from my hometown. So I’m home, and it is a sweet home, supported by everyone, and that motivates me. Everywhere I go, when I meet people, they say positive things about my performances, and that spurs me on,” said the former Grain Tigers goalkeeper.
