Admire Dzumbunu reflects on his favourite game
Admire Dzumbunu, who is MWOS FC’s center-back, took time to share his favourite game of the season so far. “We have played a lot of good games, like the win away to Ngezi U19 and the 4-0 win at Concession, but if I were to choose, I would say our win at home against Karoi United was my favourite.”
The Punters faced Karoi United on matchday ten of the Northern Region Soccer League. The fans packed Ngoni Stadium in full support of the Punters in anticipation of an exciting game. Karoi United, however, were ready to spoil the party for the excited home fans. They scored two goals in quick succession in the first half despite being a man down due to a red card they received. “I could feel the fans getting frustrated; they were a man down, but we were still trailing, and we couldn’t seem to find our rhythm to score a goal.”
Authur Banda gave the fans relief in the dying minutes of the first half, heading in a goal from within the box, sending them to halftime trailing by a goal. “I remember the half-team talk; we are a goal down, but we have one more man on the pitch. What can stop us from coming back?” Seventeen minutes into the second half, Brighton Banda equalized for the Punters, much to the delight of the home fans, who now hoped to at least get something from the game. “He celebrated by running to the terrace where the fans were. It was a goal for the fans; we didn’t want to let them down, and we fought for that equalizer, and the celebration was befitting,” Admire commented on the goal and the celebration.
The Punters started pushing for a winner. Time was running out, and the fans were almost certain that the points were going to be shared. However, skipper Chris Samakwere had other ideas. The veteran dribbled past a few players, struck a shot from outside the box, and shook the net. “I remember that moment; I can still feel the chills that goal created. The whole stadium got up on its feet. It was a beautiful goal, and who better to create such magic than Maskiri? He is an exceptional player,” Admire said.
The Punters finished the first half of the season in fifth place, eight points behind league leaders Black Mambas. When asked about how he felt about the team’s performance, Admire was very optimistic: “Well, we are debutants, and we are already giving some of the league’s favourites a run for their money. I have a feeling we are going to accomplish something great this season.”