Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
AFTER seven rounds of league matches, Buffaloes goalkeeper, Simba Nyama is yet to concede a goal.
For a career that started as an infield player at Gunners FC, a defensive linkman to be precise, transforming into a goalkeeper is something that might have never crossed his mind in his early days.
“We were down 0-1 against Blue Swallows in a match played at One Commando Pavilion Ground during my days at Cranborne Bullets. We were playing a Northern Region Division One League encounter, and our goalkeeper was injured, and the second choice goalminder had not turned up for that match when I found myself between the posts.
“After some discussions on who could take over as the goalkeeper, I ended up offering myself for the sake of progress. We won that match 2-1, and ever since I have been kept between the posts as coaches were convinced that I was actually better that many goalkeepers,” he said.
But, in the goalkeeping position, Nyama has earned the admiration and respect of, not only his teammates and coaches at Buffaloes FC where he is the captain of the club, but also many neutrals.
In fact, apart from the team work and collective determination prevailing at Buffaloes under head coach, Shepherd Nkata, Nyama has been one of the major reasons the Mutare army side is yet to concede a goal.
The army side is perched on second position on the table, behind log leaders, FC Wangu Mazodze.
When asked about his source of inspiration, Nyama said: “My secret is to see Buffaloes going somewhere. Together with my fellow teammates we work hard and love what we do.”
Born on April 19, 1991, the 33-year-old goal-minder has played for a number teams, among them Gunners FC, Black Rhinos FC, Cranborne Bullets FC, Chapungu FC, Hwahwa FC and now Buffaloes FC
“I started playing football while at primary school, but I was a defensive linkman, and not a goalkeeper. That was the position I played even at high school.
“I did my primary school education at Budiriro Two Primary School in Harare from Grade One to Three and then moved to Budiriro Four Primary School where I did Grade Four to Seven. For my secondary education, I attended Chikore Mission in Chipinge,” he said.
Nyama believes Buffaloes FC has what it takes to fight for the coveted ticket into the Premiership.
“Judging by our performance so far, I see Buffaloes FC being promoted into the Premiership because everyone is focused and competition is very high in our club,” he said.
And to his fans, Nyama said: “I just want to say, please keep on supporting us because your support helps us especially during the time we are right now. It is not easy as every match we face is a big and tough match. We do not want to lose any points, and that support is needed.”
