The Sunday Mail
IT was a goal worth more than $4 000 and in tune with how Roderick Mutuma has gone about business as a footballer.
Mutuma’s winner against Highlanders last weekend, his first goal since making that $4 000 dollar move to Yadah FC on July 19, secured his team’s premiership status.
With the scores at 1-1 after Ralph Matema’s strike had been cancelled by impressive Yadah FC centre back Jimmy Dzingai, Mutuma took the matters into his own hands.
A fine second half header clinched a 2-1 victory and ensured that the Miracle Boys lived to fight another day.
And as expected the striker is taking a moment to brag about that effort.
“It’s a bad reputation to be part of a team that is relegated so we had to do something as a team. And that goal was very important,” said Mutuma.
The goal was Mutuma’s third of the season as the striker had scored two for Bosso by the time he left Bulawayo for Harare in midseason.
Yadah may have expected more from him but they have no reason to complain after Mutuma delivered them from relegation.
“I am happy to have saved the team but it was all about team work and the support we get from Prophet Magaya. The Prophet always tells us God’s time is the best, so we were not under pressure at all.
“Even the fact that I hadn’t scored for Yadah since July didn’t affect me at all because my coaches and teammates supported me,” he said.
With the conclusion of the 2017 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League yesterday, Mutuma sees the coming holiday as a perfect opportunity to bond with his new baby.
Ricaldo Randal Mutuma was born on October 4 and his arrival has had a positive influence on the self-styled “Prince” of local football.
“His smile drives me on, it makes me want to work harder. My son needs to have a decent life, better than the one I had.
“The time for unnecessary friends is over, I need to spend more time with my family and behave more like a father.
“That is why I want to make sure I make the most of my career at Yadah FC. This is a stable club, well supported by Prophet Magaya. I am 100 percent sure that I will be at this club next season,” said Mutuma.
The former Dynamos and Caps United striker was the Premiership’s top scorer in 2011 with 14 goals but his goal return has plummeted since then.
Last season, Mutuma scored a paltry three goals for DeMbare.
“Changing teams can also affect one’s rhythm but that’s not an excuse.
“It’s the nature of the game. Sometimes you hit top form and score plenty of goals and in other periods you experience a massive goal drought. Let’s see what happens next season,” he said as a parting shot.
