MONGAMELI Tshuma says scoring on his Zimbabwe debut against Botswana on Saturday was a moment of immense pride as he continues his meteoric rise from league breakout to the international stage.
The 24-year-old Highlanders FC forward, enjoying a scintillating debut Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, dazzled under the bright lights of Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.
His performance inspired Zimbabwe to thrash hosts Botswana 3–0 in the semi-finals of the Mukuru Four Nations tournament.
Tshuma was a late addition to the squad following the injury withdrawal of Tawanda Maswanhise.
However, handed his first Warriors start by coach Marian Marinica, he repaid the faith with a goal after just 23 minutes.
Showing elite predatory instincts, he side-footed a Bill Antonio cross into the net to open the scoring.
The winger’s influence didn't stop there.
He was instrumental in the second goal, beating his marker after a short corner and threading a pass to Antonio, whose subsequent cross was clumsily turned into the net by a Botswana defender. Antonio later completed the rout himself, arriving at the blind side to turn home a Macauley Bonne delivery.
- Maswanhise set for Leicester City breakthrough
- Warriors face depleted Super Eagles
- UK-based Warriors in Malawi hunt
- We could have done better, says Mapeza
Keep Reading
Reflecting on his dream international start, Tshuma credited divine intervention and the technical team’s confidence in his abilities.
“I’m very excited to score my first international goal,” Tshuma said.
“I’m grateful to God and the coaches for affording me the chance and for trusting me. I showed that I'm ready to contribute to the national team cause.”
Zimbabwe is now set to face old foes Zambia in tomorrow’s final at the same venue, while Botswana and Malawi battle for third place. Tshuma is already hungry for more.
“I’m happy that I managed to score in the semifinals and I'm looking forward to the final match. I'm pushing myself hard to make sure that I do well in the next match. I'm hoping to score again or provide an assist. Overall, the goal is to work hard for the national team and try to help the team get a good result in the final.”
Despite the dominant display, the win was marred by an injury to defender Munashe Garananga, who was forced off early.
Marinica provided a worrying update yesterday, stating the injury “is not looking good”, making the defender a major doubt for the final.
When pressed on Tshuma’s individual brilliance, Marinica characteristically chose to pivot toward the collective effort, though he acknowledged the significance of the youngster’s debut goal.
“I don't want to actually take the gloss off him, but I'm very happy with all the players because they did fantastically well,” Marinica said.
“When a player also has a debut and he comes with a goal in a debut, it’s even better.”
The coach emphasised his selection philosophy, after he also handed debuts to Shane Maroodza and Panashe Makwiramiti during the match.
“I want to emphasise that we are a team and we win as a team . . . we have lost before as a team. I'm very happy that he integrated well in the team like all the other newcomers. They may not have had a chance to play against Botswana but they are working very hard. I believe in the players I select. I keep saying that I select all the players on merit.”
