Matema’s parting shots

Saturday.
The evenly balanced match ended in a 2-2 draw. The two goals took his tally to 13 goals in 11 league matches this season. The former Kambuzuma forward joins the South African giants this week. He is likely to be part of the team that will play in this month’s Vodacom Challenge that will feature Tottenham Hotspurs and Kaizer Chiefs.
Speaking to CAJ News in Bulawayo after his last training session, Matema acknowledged that settling down at the Buccaneers would not be easy but vowed that he would give it his best shot.
The left-footed hitman could find himself contending with fellow countrymen Sageby Sandaka, another left-footed striker, whom the South African football giants are chasing. Sandaka is a former Amazulu and Monomotapa forward, who played for Botswana side Gaborone United last season.
Just two weeks back Sandaka, a former Warriors trialist, scooped three awards at the club’s awards ceremony despite playing 13 games. He was voted Player’s Player of the Year and also walked away with the Manager’s Player of the Year award. In the 13 games he played last season, Sandaka, banged in 14 goals to finish the club’s top scorer.
“I know it will be a challenge to make a mark at Pirates but all I can tell those who are behind me is that I’m ready to fight,” said Matema.
“I would like to thank the Highlanders executive, coaches, players and fans for standing with me in the past three years that I have spent at the club. Everyone was fantastic. They always made me feel at home.
“I believe I have learnt a lot during my stay at Highlanders. I’m sure the other guys have also learnt one or two things from me.
“I have no doubt that the other players have what it takes to retain that league title,” said Matema.