In a wide ranging interview last week The Zimbabwean on Sundays Grace Chirumanzu spoke to Motor Actions talented midfielder Louis Matawu (23) about his club his rather poor start to the season, his soccer career, hopes and other related issues: excerpts: (Pictured: Louis Matawu)Grace Chirumanzu (GC): How has been your season so far?
Louis Matawu (LM): I would like to believe the season has been bad for us so far, especially compared to last year. By this time last year we were somewhere in the top six of the log table and we won a number of matches but now we are somewhere down there having encountered a number of draws. I would see the eleven draws a failure because with the crop of quality players we have acquired I believe we should be up there.
GC: To what would you attribute the teams poor showing?
LM: Well, as much as the signing of new players will help the club in the future I believe for now it has worked to our disadvantage. We did not have enough time to know each other and get to learn each others style and way of playing. But I strongly believe with coach Jostein Mathuthu back, the second half of the season should see us improve.
GC: Some of your fans say you have not quite come to the party, that you have been performing below par, your comment?
LM: Honestly, I think they may be right, I do not feel I have done my best so far. The main reason is because last year I had a good combination with my brother, Clemence.
We knew each other so well and so it was easy to click and we played so well; but now I am still to find someone I can partner well with. The other thing may also be that my team is not winning, had we been winning my efforts would have been noticed.
GC: And how has the departure of your brother (Clemence Matawu) affected the club on the field?
LM: He was one player who knew how to drive the team on his own; of course, we cannot rule out the issue of teamwork but he was just someone who made a difference with his presence.
GC: Lets talk about the dismissal of Lindile Dube as coach of Motor Action, how justified was this action by management do you believe that the coach alone should shoulder the blame when a team is not performing well?
LM: Well personally I believe coaches should be given a long period at any club, say something like three years. They need to get to know their players as players get to know their coach.
It is very difficult for us players to comply to different coaching methods each season. But in the case of Jostein Mathuthu, I cannot complain because he (Mathuthu) is someone who knows us, someone who knows the culture of the club for he was once here (at Motor Action.) He has the ability to help us improve our game in the second half of the season.
GC: What is your dream Louis?
LM: To follow my brothers footsteps (playing professional football abroad.)
FACTFILE
Fullnames :Louis Matatwu
D.O.B :08/ 11/ 1985
P.O.B :Shamva/ Bindura
Nickname :Lesto
Position :Midfielder
Jersey Number :27
Former Clubs :Shamva Mine F.C, Lancashire Steel
Current Club :Motor Action F.C
Honors :Players player of the year 2008, Most Improved player 2007, 2006 Most Promising player (All at club level).