Bruce Chikuni
FORWARD Douglas Mapfumo scored his first goal in South Africa’s DSTV Premiership for Polokwane City, contributing to a 3-1 win over Cape Town Spurs on Saturday.
Oswin Appollis bagged a brace, with Mapfumo also providing an assist for his first goal.
It was the Zimbabwean’s second game in the South African top-flight, having missed the first due to work permit issues.
The win was Polokwane’s second in a row, with the team having lost its opening fixture of the season to Cape Town City.
Mapfumo (23) told Zimpapers Sports that the goal had helped ease the burden of his debut.
“It’s always difficult to get your first goal and it’s something which was bothering me because I did not want to go for long without being on the scoresheet. It brought some relief and I can now concentrate on helping the team without any pressure.
“As a striker you have to score to enjoy the environment and it also gives you the hunger to get more goals. I’m happy with this start.
“We have now won two games in a row and it shows we are going somewhere as a club,” said Mapfumo.
The Super Diski lights have been too bright for some Zimbabwean youngsters who make an early breakthrough, but Mapfumo feels he has what it takes to weather the storm.
“I’m just alone here. My family and friends are a bit far away and I think that’s the environment that can help me remain focused for now.
“I love my family; they have been there for me and without them I would not have made it this far. I think knowing that I’m carrying their hopes and they are expecting me to be at the top is what pushes me to the limits. I would not want to disappoint them,” he said.
Meanwhile, SuperSport United who are home to five Warriors players, have not been breached in their opening three fixtures.
Mantsantsantsa have Washington Arubi, George Chigova, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Terence Dzvukamanja and Onisimo Bhasera.
But, only Pfumbidzai and Dzvukamanja made the cut when they humbled Cape Town City 1-0 on Friday.
Arubi was on the bench and Bhasera was also a noticeable absentee from the team’s matchday squad.
Chigova is expected to face a lengthy absence due to a heart ailment, and it’s feared this could spell an end to his career.