Zimpapers Logo

Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter

WORK hard in silence and let your success make the noise!

The adage amply 23-year-old Bulawayo Chiefs’ attacking linkman Mthokozisi Msebe who since his arrival on to the Premier Soccer League in 2022 has proved to be nothing but a man of quality and class.

Making a powerful introductory statement, in his maiden season, Msebe instantly became a vital cog for “The Ninjas”, featuring in 30 matches with four goals and eight assists.

This was before he picked an injury that placed him on the side-lines for the last six fixtures of the season.

In fact, Msebe joined Bulawayo Chiefs in 2020 although his debut had to be delayed by the Covid-19 induced break.

Recently he stole the show when the Lizwe Sweswe coached side at National Sports Stadium when he scored and provided two assists in their 3-2 victory over Dynamos.

He was also involved in both goals in their 2-1 victory against Yadah at Luveve last week when his side picked maximum points to sit on position 11 on the log standings with nine points.

For the two goals and four assists that he has bagged so far this season, the in-fine-form Msebe was named the club’ s player of the month for April.

Ironically, the young man, a Bantu Rovers product neither oozes the swag nor does he brag, yet for his contribution, he actually has every right to.

“Football is life for me since I was in grade two when I was drafted into Cement Primary School Academy before joining in the junior league at grade five under Black Boots F.C,” he said.

“However, it is not time for me to celebrate yet, I have goals that I am yet to reach and this is what keeps me motivated.”

His coaches trust him for his dribbling skills, the way he switches play and his ability to position himself in perfect scoring positions.

With the Premier Soccer proving to be more competitive this season, the former Mzilikazi High School learner is aware that a lot more is now expected from him.

He attributed his form to hard work and putting in extra hours on his training schedule. “My career is still starting, I believe with hard work, discipline and determination I can go far because God has made it clear that I have the gift so it is up to me to push myself to the top.

“Part of my dream is to be crowned Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year one day and to put on the national team colors.”

Msebe is expected to start again on Sunday when Bulawayo Chiefs face Hwange at the Colliery Stadium.

He hopes to give a decent show and assist his team bring home maximum points.

Being cast into the deep end in his debut season, Msebe feels that his experiences transformed him into a buoyant player who can now perform wonders under any situation.

“I have always worked hard to ensure that I am important on all the teams that I play for because I am not afraid to carry the team’ s dreams and hope, it actually motivates me,” he said.

“When things get tough I tell myself that it is time to perform magic and things just happen.

“Last year, the likes of Kelvin Madzongwe and other seniors that I played with knew what I was capable of, they trusted, taught and motivated me a lot.”

Each time he steps on the pitch, Msebe always reminds himself to be in the best form.

He feels that it is his responsibility to stand-up for the team.  

This season, his aim is to score more goals and help his team achieve its targets.

Coach Sweswe acknowledges that Msebe’ s form has contributed to the team’s fine run.

“Msebe has been instrumental, he has a lot of potential and the two wins are a testament of character and self-belief from him and the boys.

“They have been working so hard since the beginning of the season and results are starting to come, look at the table a few teams have posted more than three wins so it is still early and good that we are in the pack.”