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Curtworth Masango
SCOTTLAND goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga says he is focused on making a difference when his Northern Region Soccer League title-chasing side faces Herentals Under-20 at Rufaro this afternoon.
They are in a tough two-horse race with log leaders MWOS as they go into the penultimate round of fixtures.
Nyabunga has been influential for his side, playing an important role in the team and earning 16 clean sheets in 29 games.
The high stakes game against The Students marks a new era in football history bonuses, as the club, through its partners, has dangled Toyota Aqua vehicles as incentives for all the players and members of the technical team for a win.
The win will be a big step for the Genesis Mangombe-led side, seeking a ticket to the topflight.
Nyabunga’s focus is on executing his goalkeeping duties well.
“Goalkeepers are overlooked in general discussions despite having one of the biggest roles on the pitch,” he said.
“If you manage to keep a clean sheet on the day then you know that the team will salvage something. While all other players help the keeper to reienforce the goal against the opponents, it remains the ultimate responsibility of the goalkeeper to avoid conceding.
“So, that alone comes with its own pressures, and I am used to that. Going into every game, the focus is on trying to help the team claim a win. That doesn’t change even ahead of our match against Herentals.
“They are a decent side that should be approached with caution. But we have put our eyes on the prize. We are going to play our football and exploit our strengths and make the best out of it.”
“Yes, vehicles are at stake but, I can’t say much about cars as I only have to focus on winning. We have to win first but all I can say is everything is under control,” he said.
At Ngoni Stadium, MWOS host Norton Community in a derby match hoping to at least maintain their lead at the summit.
On the other hand, Norton Community are keen to avoid relegation.
Fixtures
Black Rhinos v Black Mambas (Heart Stadium), MWOS v Norton Community (Ngoni), Scottland v Herentals Under-20 (Rufaro), Ngezi Under-19 v Golden Eagles (Baobab)
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