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Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Warriors duo of Walter Musona and Douglas Mapfumo will carry the same burden which was felt by Marshall Munetsi and Terrence Dzvukamanja when Zimbabwe recorded back to back wins in the AFCON qualifiers against Namibia at Orlando Stadium, South Africa last month.
Munetsi and Dzvukamanja are former Orlando Pirates players and many expected this duo to aid the Warriors’ cause with inside information of this venue.
And, Warriors coach, Michael Nees, started this duo in both fixtures which saw his men claiming a 1-0 and 3-1 win against the Brave Warriors respectively.
The Warriors will host Kenya this Friday at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Interestingly, Musona made a name for himself during his time at Polokwane City where he netted arguably the best goal to be scored by a Zimbabwean in Mzansi against Kaizer Chiefs.
That goal from yards out was also probably the best goal to be scored by a Rise and Shine player.
And, Mapfumo is currently attached to Polokwane City with his contract expected to run down at the end of the campaign.
The 24-year-old, was the team’s second-best scorer last season as he busted the net six times and finished just a goal behind Oswin Apollis.
And, those goals were enough to extend the team’s stay in the South African Premiership.
It’s undeniable that a significant portion of Polokwane City fans will be rallying behind Warriors because of what Musona and Mapfumo contribute to the club.
They will also find it difficult to ignore the Warriors because of what the late goalie, George Chigova did for their club during his stay. This will naturally make the Warriors feel at home and Musona will be keen to prove that is now even a better player than he was four seasons ago when he left the club.
But, many of them will be out to watch Mapfumo who has emerged as Nees’s favourite despite enduring criticism from some section of fans who believes he can do better.
Mapfumo has been used as a target man who creates breathing room for Khama Billiat and supports forwards.
Musona has just powered Simba Bhora to their maiden championship which has left many tipping him to win the Soccer Star of The Year gong.
And, he told Zimpapers Sports that he wants the party to continue in Polokwane.
“It feels good to be back home, this pitch gives me a lot of memories and I can not wait to play in front of the people who endorsed me when I was still developing as a player.
“It’s a dream come true for Simba Bhora players, and community. And we have put all the celebrations aside to complete a different mission at hand the goal is to start another party here in Polokwane if we can get the needed result.
“We have come a long way and everyone is focusing on the same objective which makes life easy. We are going to play our hearts out to cross the line,” said Musona.
Mapfumo believes Polokwane City fans will come in numbers to back the Warriors.
Online Reporter