IT was in 2005, and the atmosphere was electric at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
The venue hosted one of the most nail-biting soccer match finishes in the history of Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable as the popular Harare giants Dynamos Football Club “Dembare”, under the coaching guidance of Moses Chunga, were guests to Masvingo United’s “Yuna Yuna”.
The significance of the match could not be understated. Dynamos faced the harsh reality of relegation if they lost, while Masvingo was on the cusp of being crowned the 2005 Zimbabwe football champions with a win.
However, Elliot “Musalad” Matsika had other plans. His second-half strike ensured visiting Dembare collected the maximum three points against Yuna Yuna, avoiding relegation. The goal was not just ordinary; it symbolised heroism and a defining moment for the league and the player.
“Obviously, rescuing Dynamos from relegation has been the major highlight of my career,” Matsika told EnterSportNews.
“It is like giving life back to a dying person. That is how important it was,” he added, reflecting on the profound impact of that goal.
By losing the match, Yuna Yuna technically handed the championship title to rivals CAPS United, who had received a 5-3 drubbing at the hands of Black Rhinos, then coached by Nesbert ” Yabo” Saruchera. The plot twist added further intrigue to an already sensational season.
“I came from Amazulu (South Africa) mid-season when the team was at the bottom of the log. I scored eight goals in the 13 games I played for Dynamos,” Matsika boasted.
His anticipation of second balls, back passes, and rebounds as a midfielder made him a crucial asset in that decisive game.
Matsika’s career kicked off in the ’90s and has spanned across several teams, including Dynamos, Amazulu FC, and Shooting Stars. He also played for the Young Warriors between 1996 and 2000. Now coaching at Jadel Academy in Harare, Matsika’s journey is filled with inspiration and determination.
“Watching Alois Bunjira, Norman Mapeza, John Phiri, Stuart “Shutto” Murisa, Llyod “Lodza” Chitembwe, Gift “Umbro” Muzadzi, Edelbert Dinha among many others playing against Dynamos, Highlanders or CAPS United was huge. That alone made me want to be a professional footballer. I wanted to be like them,” he said.
Matsika’s transition to coaching came after playing with Yadah FC. After a 5-0 victory vs Gutu, he realised his potential as a coach.
“If the boys can do it without me, maybe I am better helping them as a coach,” he added, reflecting on his new career path.
Matsika concluded with an emphasis on the need to bring back football competition at the junior level, citing a lack of playing fields and investment in the development of athletes at a tender age.
That fateful match at Mucheke Stadium is etched in the annals of Zimbabwe football history. The heroic efforts of Matsika and the unpredictable twists of the league show why football is not just a game but a symbol of hope, struggle, and unexpected triumph. Whether on the pitch or as a mentor to young talents, Matsika’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean footballers.
