Striker Ilunga’s gesture to fan

H-Metro Reporter

ERIC Matambo, 14, got the attention of Black Rhinos striker Eli Ilunga after inscribing the striker’s name and his jersey number 30 on the back of his T-shirt with a pen.

The Form 1 student took a picture of himself wearing the T-shirt and posted it on social media.

Ilunga surprised the boy by visiting and presenting him with his number 30 Rhinos jersey.

Matambo told H-Metro that he was over the moon at the gesture of the striker.

“I am very happy with this gift. I was given the jersey when Rhinos played their last game of the season on Saturday,” said Matambo.

“I live in Rusape near Vhengere, and I go and watch most Rhinos games when I can.”

Matambo said he is also a budding footballer and has found a lot of inspiration from Ilunga.

“I am a budding footbACaller and I would like to play at professional level. I would also like to play for Rhinos in future and score goals like Ilunga.”

Ilunga said he received a photo of the boy on his WhatsApp and he looked for him and promised to give him a jersey at the end of the season.

“I received a photo of the young boy wearing a T-shirt with my name on the back. So, I later found out that the boy was from one of the academies in Rusape and I knew their coach.

“I got in touch with the coach and told him I will give the young boy the jersey at the end of the season.

“So, when we played our last game, I managed to give him the jersey. He really appreciated the gift. I have known the guy for some time after I saw his photo and I think he is a good boy.”

Ilunga is also among favourites to make the Soccer Stars of the Year list.

He has 11 goals to his name this season.

“I feel I have done well this season considering that this is the first time I played in the top-flight league.

“We were also coming from a two-year break without playing football due to Covid-19, so I feel I had a great season.

“I would like to thank the club for giving me the chance to represent them. It’s not easy for clubs to trust foreigners and I am grateful for that,” he said.