The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
THE composure he displayed when taking a crucial penalty betrayed his experience in the game.
Needing an opening goal that would effectively calm their nerves, Trojan Stars were awarded a penalty midway through their Axis Super 8 Cup quarter-final clash against Commando Bullets at Trojan Mine last Sunday.
It was a moment that required nerves of steel and in former Dynamos striker Quality Kangadzi, Trojan Stars had the go-to man.
The 30-year-old forward, who had won the penalty, dusted himself up and coolly picked the roof of the net to send a decent crowd at the nickel mine into delirium.
Commando Bullets then equalised through Brian Munhumanzi shortly after resumption but the home side went on to snatch the winner courtesy of Muchapuya Dunga. Trojan Stars, who were formerly called Mwana Africa when they won promotion into the Premiership, are now in the semi-finals of the Axis Super 8 Cup.
They face ambitious Golden Eagles at Ellis Robbins this afternoon.
And, for Kangadzi, who showed he still has some quality when he expertly slotted home that penalty last week, winning the Axis Solutions Cup with his hometown team “would be a dream come true”.
The former Mwana Africa, Bindura United, Simba Bhora, Green Fuel and Gunners striker wants to use all his experience to help Trojan Stars reach what would be a milestone.
“Trojan is my home. I was born and bred in this area, so it’s always good to play for your hometown team,” Kangadzi told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“I played my junior football in Bindura, and Trojan Stadium has always been my home, so I feel at home here.
“It would be good to win a big trophy like the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup with my home team Trojan Stars.
“I have played for a number of big teams, including Dynamos and Gunners, but I feel at home here in Bindura because I was raised here.”
As a former Premier Soccer League striker, a lot is expected from Kangadzi, who played for Dynamos in 2018.
Trojan also have another ex-Premiership player – Martin Mine – who was on the books of Black Rhinos.
Kangadzi was the chief striker for DeMbare, who battled against relegation that season under the guidance of Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe.
He was DeMbare’s top-scorer, albeit with a paltry six goals. Perhaps that summed up how Dynamos had sunk to alarming depths. He was subsequently offloaded at the beginning of 2019 and found a new home at Simba Bhora.
He then moved to Green Fuels before retracing his footsteps to Trojan Stars.
“A lot is expected of me and I have to make sure I deliver for the team.
“It was a great feeling scoring the penalty against Commando Bullets last weekend. It was a goal that helped my team reach the semi-final of the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup.
“You see …one advantage we have as Trojan Stars is that people are not giving us a chance. We are regarded as underdogs but that makes us dangerous because we have got no pressure.
“We are a focused team and we play the way we train, so people should also take us seriously,” he said.
Trojan Stars face a Golden Eagles outfit that is one of the best in the Northern Region Soccer League at the moment.
Gilbert Mushangazhike’s men are currently second behind Simba Bhora on the Ruyamuro Northern Region Soccer League table.
“They (Golden Eagles) are a very strong team; they play some nice football, so we should expect a very tough encounter against them. But, we are Trojan Stars, we fight to the last, so they should also expect a tough battle.”
“We want to do it for the fans of Bindura; we want to make them happy by at least reaching the final of this prestigious Cup.”
At 30, Kangadzi still feels he has more to offer.
He is even dreaming of a return to the top-flight.
“I still feel strong, I am still very determined and I am sure if I keep working hard, I will return to the PSL.
“The added motivation is coming from the fact that I am now playing for Trojan Stars, my home team.”
Trojan Stars have added former Simba Bhora assistant coach Ralph Kawondera to their technical team ahead of their semi-final clash against Eagles.
The vastly travelled Kawondera, who has also seen duty at various Division One clubs including Kariba Waves and Green Fuel, will work with Clifford Sakala, who was in charge when Trojan Stars edged Commando Bullets.
