Cuthbert Malajila, Kingston Nkatha, Terrence Mandaza, Ralph Matema and Peter Mubayiwa, all overlooked for a recent 2-1 away FIFA World Cup qualifier loss to Egypt, are doing wonders for their South African clubs.
Maritzburg United’s Malajila leads the surge for the ABSA Premiership’s Golden Boot, with nine goals to his name, which set him a strike below leading marksman Bernard Parker of Kaizer Chiefs at the time of going to print.
His combination with countryman Terrence Mandaza has kept United in the top Four and should provide options of a new striking combination for the blunt Warriors. “It will be a dream come true for me if I were crowned the top goal-scorer, but team work is what makes a player triumph. I will be glad if my team-mates help me to win it, as I would have done it for the club, my country and myself last. I am optimistic that I will make it – with support and unity nothing is impossible,” said Malajila.
Kaizer Chief’s Nkatha is not far behind, hustling defenders on his way to scoring five goals in the league, the same as Mandaza and the Witbank Spurs duo of Matema and Mubayiwa, who play a rung below the ABSA Premiership.
Nkatha has been influential in Chiefs’ rejuvenation, as The Amakhosi make a surge for their first PSL title in a decade. They sat seven points ahead of second-placed defending champions Orlando Pirates at the time of going to print and looked within shouting distance of being crowned champions.
None can talk of third-placed Spurs’ fight for the top without having to mention the contribution of Mubayiwa and Matema, who have been the National First Division club’s talismen for the past three years.
Chippa United coach, Wilfred Mugeyi, one of the Zimbabweans who has won the Golden Boot in SA, believes Malajila would emulate him, Gilbert Mushangazhike and Knowledge Musona.
“He is a complete striker and has scored some brilliant goals. He has the body and speed and is a tactician in front of goals. I am convinced that he will be crowned the top striker at the end of the season, looking at his current form,” said Mugeyi. “I am also impressed by his excellent combination with Mandaza. If they maintain, they will benefit our national team.”
Post published in: Football