Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LLOYD MUTASA played against tough midfielders during an illustrious career that reached its pinnacle in 1998 when he starred for Dynamos in the CAF Champions League final.
He has also coached a number of good midfielders including DeMbare’s Denver Mukamba.
The MWOS coach also rates highly the trio of former Warriors defensive midfielders — Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe Nengomasha and Willard Katsande.
Mutasa thinks his new signing, Aboubakar Moffat, also fits into that class.
The Aces Youth Soccer Academy product joined MWOS during the mid-season window and has already hit the ground running.
He is one of the players Mutasa is banking on as he seeks to reinvigorate his side, following a mid-season slump.
MWOS are win-less in their last five Premiership outings, managing two draws and three losses.
Their latest loss was against Dynamos at Rufaro.
Now they prepare to host log leaders Simba Bhora in a potential thriller at Ngoni on Saturday.
“We really need to bounce back,” said Mutasa.
MWOS led the log for several weeks before they were dethroned by Simba Bhora.
The Punters now trail the champions by five points.
But Mutasa believes his men have the pedigree to bounce back and he is banking on Moffat, who had a stint in Spain before joining the Norton side.
“I have seen players like Nengomasha, Katsande and Nyandoro, playing the same role as Aboubakar, and I think the boy has done well.
“Moffat has the same qualities as the players I have mentioned.
“This young boy is one player who can also score goals from anywhere,’’ added Mutasa.
The 27-year-old midfielder scored a wonder goal when MWOS drew 1-1 against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga on July 23.
After stints with several lower league teams in Spain, Moffat was persuaded to come back home.
In fact, Mutasa knew a lot about Moffat who played with his son Panashe at Aces Academy.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose him by the end of the season.
“We have a lot of youngsters with the potential to play in higher leagues.
“The likes of Tafadzwa George, Clive Kwangwari and Nigel Matinha are also exciting prospects.
“We also have seniors like Innocent Zambezi, Tafadzwa Nyabunze, Tinotenda Mutyambizi doing well, so it’s a matter of time before we hit another purple patch.
“So, we always expect such from these youngsters to probably go beyond our league and make a living for their families,” added Mutasa.
The veteran gaffer also revealed how he fell in love with Moffat’s skills.
Mutasa discovered Moffat’s skills when he was still a boy at Aces Academy where he played alongside his son Panashe.
“When Moffat went to Spain I used to ask my son about his progress.
“He was also in constant touch with Martin Mapisa who also played in Spain.
“That’s how Moffat also got to follow our club. He liked our style so it was easy for him to join us.” A box-to-box midfielder, who can also play as attacking linkman, Moffat will pit his prowess against Simba Bhora midfielders Junior Makunike and Emmanuel Ziocha on Saturday.
MWOS have lost once at Ngoni against FC Platinum and will be hoping to maintain their good home form when they clash against Simba Bhora.
The reverse fixture ended goalless at Wadzanai in June.
