BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
IT is every footballer’s dream to play for the national team, but for little-known Yadah FC defender Lennox Mucheto it was in his wildest dreams.
And when he received a call that he would be part of the Cosafa squad from team manager Wellington Mpandare, he had just finished training at Yadah Hotel and immediately got down on his knees to pray.
The Warriors did not have a Cosafa campaign to remember, but for Mucheto, who made his national team debut and featured in all the four matches, it is one never to forget.
Yadah FC have been impressive in the Chibuku Cup where they currently sit second in Group 1 behind leaders Dynamos. The club’s dream start to the competition may have helped Mucheto get noticed by the Warriors technical team.
But Mucheto never thought he would make Zdravko Logarusic’s team as he felt there were many better players at the club than him.
“It’s a great feeling for every player to represent his country. it was like a dream come true, I felt so great. I never thought that I was going to be called to be part of the Cosafa squad because at my club there are so many better players than me, who deserve to be in the national team. But although I didn’t expect the call, I have always made sure that I work hard in my career so that I can be recognised,” the 26-year-old full-back told The Sports Hub.
“I am happy that my hard work has been rewarded at last. It’s a great feeling for any player to represent their country and for me it was like a dream come true. It was an amazing feeling to just put on that jersey.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“When I got the call from the manager (Mpandare), I was at Yadah training ground soon after training. The first thing I did was to get down on my knees and pray just to thank God for the privilege to represent my country,” Mucheto revealed.
However, Zimbabwe, who are the record Cosafa Cup champions holders, had a dismal performance in the competition crashing out bottom of their group with two draws and two defeats.
Drawn in Group B, Zimbabwe drew with Mozambique and Malawi in the first two matches before losing to Namibia and guests Senegal.
Mucheto shared his sentiments on the team’s performance as well as individual show.
“It was tough because of the schedule, but that is what was there and we had to play. I cannot comment much on my performance, but I am just happy that I managed to play all group games without any injury,” he said.
“But head coach (Logarusic)’s advice for me was to go out there and express myself. He told me to do my best for the team and I hope the technical team is happy with my performances.”
The former Gunners player was prominent for his attacking impetus playing most of the matches at right-back while he was also deployed in advanced positions when the coach decided to change the formation.
His career began like any other, playing a plastic ball in the dusty streets.
“Growing up as a kid, I was always playing a plastic football in the streets and also at our community grounds in Chitungwiza.
“So people would always tell me that I was good and I could play at the highest level. I kept on playing football and here I am now,” he said.
Mucheto grew up in Zengeza 5 where he played for a home club called Farpost before he made the grade at Gunners.
“My dream is to have more caps with the national team and to win games for my country,” Mucheto revealed.
And with Logarusic declaring that he was using the Cosafa Cup to build a team for the Chan qualifiers, Mucheto might be a regular if he fails to get a move to play in another country.
It will also depend on whether Logarusic will still be the Warriors coach by that time considering the loud calls for him to be sacked.
