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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
MTHOKOZISI Msebe is on cloud nine after scoring on his Warriors debut on Monday.
The Bulawayo Chiefs midfielder was part of the hastily assembled local ensemble of the senior national team that played Namibia as part of the celebrations to mark President Mnangagwa’s inauguration at the National Sports Stadium.
Zimbabwe walked away 5-4 winners after a nervy penalty lottery after the match had ended 2-2 in regulation time.
And Msebe was over the moon after he opened the scoring inside the opening two minutes before fellow debutante Farai Banda scored the second in the second half with Namibia rallying back on both occasions.
In the absence of a coach, veteran Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa led the Warriors in the one-off encounter.
This was the first time Zimbabwe played an international match since January last year.
“I am really excited to have scored on a day when I was making my debut for the national team,” said Msebe.
“It always feels great for a player to be included in a national team.
“And the feeling is incredible when you go on to score in front of the fans.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given. I couldn’t really believe my ears when I was called to be told I was supposed to report for a national team camp in Harare.
“This has always been my dream growing up and it has been fulfilled. And to have been part of this team, to be given a starting berth and then score a goal is awesome”.
The 23-year-old gave a good account of himself and he is expected to be part of the team to play the CHAN qualifiers in the coming weeks.
“I just hope that this performance will help me earn another call up in the Warriors squad,” he said.
“Like I said, it’s the ultimate dream of every player to be called for national duty.
“I am going to continue working hard and hopefully I can get another call up.
“I am very happy to have finally put on the national colours and be able to defend the country’s badge”.
But before Msebe can think of getting another Warriors call up, the Bantu Rovers product is looking to help his team move up the ladder on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
Msebe is one of the most impressive players in the league having scored three goals and provided nine assists.
And he will be expected to play a key role when his team play Chicken Inn at Luveve on Saturday in a Bulawayo derby.
“As a team, the aim is always to win regardless of who we are playing,” said Msebe.
“We have prepared well for the match against Chicken Inn although we know it’s not going to be an easy one.
“We have not been doing very well in the league of late. But we have the belief that we can get a good result on Saturday”.
Online Reporter