HARARE CAPS United defender Gilbert Mapemba is delighted after making his competitive debut for the Warriors with a polished performance in the ongoing regional Cosafa Senior Challenge tournament.The rookie defender said he was surprised to get a call from Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa for him join the national team camp for Cosafa Senior Challenge which is being hosted in Zimbabwe.
I really never thought that I would be called to the national team. I was surprised when the coach phoned me to go into camp with other players, said Mapemba.
The roving defender, who has been in sparkling form at CAPS United, has been thrown into the fray by Chidzambwa in the last two matches that the Warriors have played. And Mapemba has not disappointed his coach as he has distinguished himself despite turning out the national team for the first time in a competitive match.
Mapemba, who until the Cosafa tournament had only played for the Warriors in a friendly match against South Africa, was not overawed by playing on such a grand occasion as he produced a fabulous defensive display in the last two games he has played for the Warriors.
I am used to playing before a big crowd because CAPS United have a huge following and they attract very big crowds, especially when they are playing against Dynamos. So it has been an advantage for me when I turned out for the national team. I was not afraid to play my normal game. I hope I will continue to display such good performances, says Mapemba.
Mapemba was thrust into the fray in the Warriors opening match against Mauritius whom they beat 3-0 and he also played a blinder in their final Group A game in which they drew 2-2 draw against Lesotho.
Post published in: Football