The new Samaita arrives

A LOT can happen inside a football month, records can be broken while form can be terribly lost during that short period of time.

However, for Wisdom Munashe Mutasa the past four weeks have been bliss as the midfielder has seen his stock rise both locally and internationally.

The 19-year-old FC Platinum attacking linkman starred on Sunday at Rufaro when he captained the Young Warriors and scored a crucial goal that floored the mighty Cameroon in the first leg of an All-Africa Games finals qualifier.

Exactly four weeks ago, his superb brace at Mandava propelled FC Platinum into the first round of the CAF Confederations Cup when Norman Mapeza’s side cruised past Sofapaka of Kenya.

Today, the spotlight will once again fall on the youngster when his under-pressure FC Platinum clash with Caps United in a Premiership encounter at the National Sports Stadium.

The Aces Youth Soccer Academy product has developed rapidly, both physically and technically, since making his Premiership debut with Motor Action in 2013.

Just like his father Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa used to do for Dynamos in the 90s, Wisdom has developed a knack of ghosting into the box and scoring surprise goals for FC Platinum.

His club coach Norman Mapeza has had a hand in Wisdom’s recent surge in form, while his father consistent advice has been the mainstay.

“This youngster has immense talent, it is there for everyone to see. He can go very far if only he keeps his feet on the ground,” Mapeza enthused soon after his side’s 2-1 win over Sofapaka at Mandava.

According to his father Lloyd, Wisdom was one kid who always wanted to play with the ball during his kindergarten years in Harare’s high-density suburb of Glen Norah.

“Alongside July Sharara’s son Tafadzwa, who was his closest friend then, they would always kick the ball around the yard.

“As he went to primary school, he would regularly watch video clips of DeMbare’s matches, especially those historic Champions League clashes.

“I could see his interest in the game grow bit by bit. At the age of seven he was already following with keen interest the local Premiership and that is when I began to take his interest in the game seriously,” revealed the senior Mutasa.

Mutasa’s parental indulgence was crucial for Wisdom, who had the chance to learn at Churchill High School where he played alongside the likes of Blessing “Bisto” Moyo and Leeroy Murape.

And Wisdom says he owes much of his rise to his father.

“My father has played a very pivotal role in my career; he is always there with tips and motivational stories.

“Whenever we sit down to talk football, he usually emphasises his points with the aid of videos, explaining how he would score many goals despite playing in midfield.

“I also learnt a lot from him when he coached me briefly here at FC Platinum, he was genuine and honest with me. That also probably pushed me to excel since I did not want people to suspect he was fielding me because I am his son,” he says.

In comparison with his father’s career, Wisdom seems to have taken off faster although he still has a long way to go before he scales Samaita’s feat.

Wisdom made his top flight debut at 17, five years earlier than his father did with Tanganda.

He is captaining the national U-23 at 19, has already netted a brace in a continental club competition, a feat his father never achieved during his playing career.

“His discipline has commendably improved from the time I worked with him at FC Platinum.

“I am now convinced he can go places, but it is too early for people to start comparing him to me.

“Only when he lifts a league title, scores more than 19 goals in a season, wins the CAF Champions League and appears on the soccer stars calendar thrice will he be ready to be compared with the real Samaita,” said Lloyd Mutasa, who was the Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up in 1996.

Wisdom acknowledges he has a lot on his hands, but vows to work harder in his quest to surpass his father’s achievements on the field of play.

“The standard set by my father is difficult to emulate, but if I continue to work hard I can surpass him.

“My top priority this season is to maintain my form and possibly make it on the soccer stars calendar. Of course, I want to play abroad.”

And his father believes Wisdom is in the right hands at FC Platinum.

“Norman is a very professional guy whom I respect both as a player and coach. He is an inspiration to the youngsters and I know he will push Wizzy (Wisdom).”