admin
Mugove Chigada in KITWE, Zambia
NICHOLAS Guyo was a surprise choice yesterday as Klaus Dieter Pagels named for his Warriors for the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup final showdown against Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola tomorrow. The Monomotapa player, buoyed by his surprise inclusion in the first XI, now wants to provide the inspiration for the Warriors to inspire the team to a record fifth title.
It is exactly seven months since Guyo was spotted by Pagels while on trials at Monoz.
Yesterday, the 19-year-old explained to The Herald his road to a fairytale appearance in the Cosafa Cup final and what he thinks of the Chipolopolo challenge.
“When I arrived at Monoz for trials in December, my hope was to make sure that I impress the Monoz coaches and break into the Premiership,” said Guyo.
“I was playing at Maningi football club which is now more of an academy. We used to play against a number of junior teams in Harare, mostly those from Mbare and Highfield.
“So, just being able to make an impression at Monoz was going to be big achievement for me. I remember there were a lot of players that had attended those trials, about 180 players.
“I was then surprised when the Monoz coach told me that I had impressed the national team coach Mr Klaus Pagels who was also there at the trials just as an observer.
“At first I thought it was a call for the Under 23 team but I was surprised that it was actually for the national team.
“I didn’t know the national team coach because I was not paying much attention to what was happening at the national team.”
Guyo said as all this unraveled, he found it difficult, at times, to believe it was all true.
“For a player who was playing at an academy, being a national team player was something that was not anywhere near my thoughts,” said Guyo.
“But I took up the opportunity and I’m learning every time that I’m a part of this team.
“At Monoz, I have only started about five games. I played during the time when Hillary Mugoniwa was out with an injury.
“There are a lot of talented players at Monoz and it’s not easy to get a place ahead of other experienced and established players.
“But I always try to be patient and learn from the same senior players to improve my game.
“So against that background, I never thought the coach would give me a chance ahead of everyone else in the team for the Cosafa final.
“I’m really surprised but the good thing is that I have been told in time that I will play and that helps me to prepare well psychologically.”
So, which role suits him best?
“I have no problems playing behind the main striker and I will just try to play according to instructions,” said Guyo.
“The Zambians have very good players that come from the wingbacks and we have to make sure they are not given much space.
“Their players are also very good with the high balls so we have to try and play to our strengths, making sure that we keep the ball down.
“They are very physical but we have to match them and there is nothing impossible. I don’t think I will be overwhelmed by the occasion.
“ I’m ready for it.”
Guyo also believes that young players in the country are not being given the chance they deserve.
“A lot of the times, especially when I was at the academy, there was always the saying that we can’t use this one because he does not have experience,” Guyo recalls.
“But I think experience comes with being given a chance to play.
“That is the reason why I avoided joining junior teams of the big teams we have in Zimbabwe. It’s rare for a junior player from a big team to finally break into the first team.
“They always buy players from somewhere.”
Online Reporter