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Former South Africa Polokwane City FC attacker Walter Musona has detailed what it took him to step out of the shadow of ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Knowledge Musona.
Separated by a five-year gap, Walter Musona followed in Knowledge Musona’s footsteps as a footballer. They both started their careers at Zimbabawe’s Aces Youth Academy in the early 2000s.
While Knowledge easily rose to stardom as soon as he stepped onto the South Africa elite league podium, it wasn’t the case with his younger brother.
Courtesy of his prolific goal-scoring abilities and eye for spectacular goals, Musona scored over 40 goals for Kaizer Chiefs during his two stints with the Naturena club.
The 34-year-old accounted for several awards, including the coveted Golden Boot award. In addition, he set the bar high after winning the 2010/11 Telkom Knockout Cup award ahead of Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Andile Jali.
His young brother, Walter, however, did not win much at Polokwane City between 2017 and 2020. He also had a brief stint at Sekhukhune United from January to August 2021.
Soon after leaving Sekhukhune United, he rejoined FC Platinum, where he went on to account for the league title in 2023.
In an exclusive interview with FARPost, the 28-year-old opened up about his challenges while trying to come of age.
“You know; the first person I saw playing football was my elder brother. The one who was born before Knowledge. He is now late,” Walter Musona told FARPost. “But when Knowledge started playing. He was a marvel to watch. And when challenge matches were being played in the locations, everyone wanted to see Knowledge.
“So I told myself that I will do like him. I wanted to make sure that one day, my name will be called first. But to be honest, it was not easy. I joined Aces Youth Academy, and everything went well until I joined FC Platinum.
“I came to South Africa in 2017, but it never really produced results. The main challenge was that people expected me to be like him [Knowledge]. I couldn’t do that because I’m my own person.
“And when it didn’t work, I returned to Zimbabwe, where I put a lot of work to win big. That’s my own path. I won a league title with FC Platinum, and I might win another one with Simba Bhora.
“When people hear the name Musona, they think of my brother. At first that gave me a lot of pressure. It took me time to be able to adjust but after leaving South Africa, I realised that I have to be my own person. And right now, it is flowing.”
Knowledge, a former national team captain, plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Akhdoud, while Walter, who is also now a key member of the national team, is leading the Premier League title charge for Simba Bhora. (farpost.co.za)
derick.khumalo