Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS’ Namibia international Dawid Ndeunyema has said the level of competition in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is way above what he had become used to back home.
The 23-year-old striker is, however, looking even sharper in the environment after recently recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in only his third game for the Punters.
He has now played three more games, including two from the substitute’s bench.
The former Blue Waters man, who has recorded three goals and as many assists in those six games has also emerged as one of the deadliest throwers of the ball after two of his three assists including in last Saturday’s 1-2 defeat to Highlanders came directly from throw-ins.
But it is the kind of competition which he has witnessed in the local league that has blown him away.
“I think the competition here is a bit different from where I’m coming from. The football is much more professional here, and this league is tougher than the one I used to play in (back home in Namibia),” said Ndeunyema.
“Every single game feels like a (cup) final. There’s a huge difference between where I’m coming from and here — that’s how I find it.
“It’s always unpredictable terrain in this league. There is never any single match which you would say is easy. Every game is difficult and unpredictable. That’s how I see things here. Really, really competitive.”
When he picked the injury, Ndeunyama was already settling in the Punters squad and getting well-accustomed to the demands of the league.
He said the recovery process was painful as he watched, week-in and week-out, his teammates in action and having some mixed fortunes.
“It was painful. I think it was my third game of the season and I just picked up an ankle injury.
“But sometimes they say what God has planned for you . . . He has planned for you. So probably what happened to me happened for a reason,” added Ndeunyema.
“I can’t blame anyone or go against it. I’m just very happy to be back on the field, and I’m going to push on and start from where I left off last time.”
The Brave Warriors forward has always reached double figures in his career back in Namibia and, despite the setback he has had, he is looking to do the same here.
He added; “I want to say, since I started most of my games in the second round, my target is just to score some goals. Maybe I can get my tally to somewhere between 10 and 12, with a few assists, and help get the team into a good spot. That’s all.”
MWOS are this season struggling to hit their last term’s heights, with the Norton club currently 16 points off the pace after picking up just 27 points in 20 games.
While coach Lloyd Mutasa admits the league title might be well out of their reach right now, he said the Punters will fight until the last drop of their sweat.
“Yes, we aren’t as competitive as we were last year but it’s not because we are lacking in effort. We are just unlucky in most cases,” said Mutasa.
“But we are going to fight until the last game and see where we will be on the final day of the term.”
