The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Sports Correspondent
FOLLOWING his debut with the Warriors, speedy winger Phenias Bamusi is excited about doing duty for the national team and is determined to repay the faith the coaches have shown in him by delivering.
Not only was Bamusi good enough to make the final 18-member squad, but he also had a run in the first leg of a 2020 African Nations Championships (CHAN) first round qualifier away to Mauritius as Zimbabwe clobbered the hosts 4-0 on Monday.
The CAPS United hot property was introduced near the hour mark, replacing Herentals midfielder Richard Hachiro as the triumphant Warriors cruised to victory and he believes that heralded the launch of a long and fruitful journey with the senior men’s soccer team.
“It is deeply humbling to have received my first ever call-up and to be selected to play for the Warriors is a truly magnificent experience worth the while. All my life I have been working hard, patiently waiting for this moment and now that it is here I am grabbing it with both hands to make the most use of it. It is such an overwhelming feeling, a fulfilling occurrence that should serve as a major stepping stone for greater things to come with the side.
“Also, I would like to thank the coaches for believing in my capabilities and will not disappoint them. I am grateful for this chance and the onus is now on me to deliver each time I get involved with playing. I am happy with this trajectory that my career has just taken and it boosts my confidence. This is only the beginning,” a confident Bamusi told Post Sport.
Earning his first full senior cap, he added, was a career-defining moment. He described it as deserved recognition for the sterling shift he has put into the Green Machine cause thus far this season. Bamusi was conscripted into the CHAN side as his star is one of several that have shone the brightest and illuminated the domestic scene.
Said the talented Dangamvura-raised former Mutare United forward: “Representing one’s own country at national level is always the pinnacle of any career and I shall forever cherish this initial stride as I step up to the plate in my pursuit to be called up into the group more regularly. However, it only challenges me to continue putting more effort during my time with the team so that I retain my place in the squad and keep improving.”
With the return match set for Babourfields this Sunday, Bamusi has underscored the need for the tem to keep their eyes on the ball and accomplish the mission as they seek to clear their passage and go the distance.
“The job is only half done at the moment and we need to complete it by finishing off Mauritius when they come here.
“We need to progress to the next round of the qualifiers, eventually make it to the finals and have a hood show there but we are taking it one step at a time because that is important,” the midget ex-Buffaloes man explained.
A competition reserved for participation by players drawn solely from their local leagues, the CHAN tournament is now in its sixth edition and is set to be held in Cameroon between next January and February.
