Musona defies the odds in second act

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

WALTER MUSONA is rewriting his story; this time as a leader, a winner and a symbol of resurgence.

If Scottland go all the way this season, the Warriors forward will become the first player in local Premiership history to captain two different clubs to back-to-back league titles.

Last year, he lifted the trophy with Simba Bhora, having just joined the Shamva side from FC Platinum at the start of the campaign.

His impact was immediate.

Ten goals, seven assists and a commanding presence on the pitch earned him the Soccer Star of the Year award.

That title was his second, and so was the individual honour; he had claimed both before with FC Platinum in 2022.

Now, with newly promoted Scottland making waves in the top-flight, Musona’s influence is impossible to miss.

“I’m not dwelling much on that narrative,” Musona said, downplaying the record. “Scottland is doing a great job. We have very good players with both experience and the tactical edge to win the league.

“I just hope we keep firing on all cylinders. If I end up winning it again as captain, it’ll be a record I’ll definitely cherish.”

At 29, Musona is at the heart of local football, vital for both club and country.

He played a key role in helping Zimbabwe qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while also being a game-changer in domestic competition.

Yet just four years ago, he was released by Polokwane City, a middling club in South Africa’s Premiership.

For most Zimbabwean players, that kind of rejection signals a slow fade.

Many returned home, but never regained their spark.

Kingston Nkata, Michelle Katsvairo and Dani “Deco” Phiri all come to mind. Even decent performers like Evans Rusike have struggled to make a lasting impact after their return.

But Musona? He is built differently.

Yes, the likes of Khama Billiat, Denver Mukamba, Partson Jaure and Ronald Pfumbidzai have all had moments of brilliance.

However, none has bounced back quite like Musona; consistent, driven and quietly relentless.

“When I came back from South Africa, I was determined to make it work,” Musona said. “I still had the hunger. I knew I hadn’t reached my full potential. I had to start all over.

“My family kept me grounded and reminded me to focus on football, not the disappointment. I didn’t feel pressure to prove anything, but I was motivated.”

He had options. Several clubs approached him, but he chose FC Platinum.

“I understood their philosophy. That made the transition easier. Things clicked in 2022. It gave me momentum. Two seasons later, I was leading Simba Bhora and we won the league. Now, I’m captaining Scottland,” said Musona.

With his rise through three of the league’s top-paying clubs, it is tempting to imagine what might have happened had he stayed in South Africa — stuck in the margins at Polokwane City.

Would he have thrived? Would the headlines still be his?

Probably not.