Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THREE months after joining Hardrock former Warriors defender Gerald Takwara has managed to turn naysayers into believers.
The League debutants and current log leaders signed Takwara during the mid-season transfer window in a surprise stance that was met with doubt by many.
He came alongside Warriors striker Prince Dube, Thubelihle Mavuso, Yeki Khumalo and MacDonald Rameck.
While all the five signings are regular starters in Hardrock’s second round of games, a lot of questions were on Takwara. For many, Libyan side Al Ittihad Misurata SC defender was a spent force and would be a liability for ambitious Hardrock. However, three months later, Takwara has done enough to silence cynics.
The experienced centre-back has emerged as one of the club’s influential mid-season signings with his leadership and composure in their title chase.
He has helped organise the defence, win crucial battles and provide leadership as the pressure intensifies in the closing stages of the season. With three goals to his name, Takwara has also played a role in Hardrock’s quest to create a superior goal difference which may be critical in the title race.
“At this stage we just need to keep cool heads; the race is tight and we cannot afford to relax lest we blow up our good chances,” he said. Takwara’s return to Zimbabwe marked an end to the six years he had spent playing in the Arab world. Despite coming home carrying experience, composure and leadership, he admits that his homecoming was not instantly smooth. “I had my fears because football is different, so coming here I did not know what to expect,” Takwara said.
“Arriving here, in my first game I did something very terrible and I did not know what would happen going forward. “As a big name, you do not want to make such a bad first impression, but the only thing I know in my football life is to work hard and I did just that…I am happy it worked and look at where I am now.”
His work ethic coupled with support from teammates, coaches, family and fans proved decisive.
“I am happy that my mates and coaches showed me some love, likewise did fans and that helped me so much in adjusting and fitting into the system,” he said. “I really wanted to come back home;
I yearned for the love and comfort of being with my kinsmen. “It is not easy being in the Arab countries where I spent six years, so my heart was already home and when the Hardrock offer came, I did not think twice about taking it.” The move has paid dividends for both parties. Hardrock have lived up to expectations and at the heart of their title chase and consistency is Takwara. With defending champions Scottland FC breathing down their necks and winning consistently, the title race is tightening. “Currently there is pressure, look how close Scottland are trailing us,” he said.
“They are also consistently winning their games so we have to stay focused taking it a game at a time and see how it goes.
“What I love most about Hardrock is that we are a family more than a team…there is unity so we play for and with each other.” For Takwara, putting on the Hardrock jersey is all about getting
closure, comfort and a second chance to be celebrated at home. While for Hardrock, if they lift the title in their maiden season, they will look back at their mid-season signings as pivotal.
