MAPFUMO OVER THE MOON AFTER WARRIORS CALL-UP
POLOKWANE CITY forward, Douglas Mapfumo, says he is over the moon following his maiden call-up into the Warriors.
Mapfumo is one of only two players from the South African Premiership who have been drafted into camp.
The other is Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga.
ZIFA ended weeks of speculation when they finally released the squad for the two key assignments against Lesotho and South Africa.
Both matches are in South Africa.
The Warriors will host the Crocodiles at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7 and take on Bafana Bafana at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein four days later.
Mapfumo has been enjoying his game in the South African Premiership since moving to Polokwane City.
The 24-year-old is the youngest Zimbabwean playing in the South African topflight league.
Mapfumo scored five times in 22 appearances, the same tally which was managed by Terrence Dzvukamanja.
An ecstatic Mapfumo said his patience had finally paid off.
Mapfumo also ignored a bid by SAFA to make him switch nationality and become a
Bafana Bafana player.
“God’s time is always the best, it’s a privilege and I’m very grateful to everyone who made this call-up possible,’’ Mapfumo said.
“I think I have been pushing hard to get this recognition and it has always been my dream to play for the Warriors and I’m going to make my presence felt, if I get the chance.
“I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to remain patient but I knew my time would come and I also want to thank Polokwane City for affording me the chance to showcase my talent,’’ said Mapfumo.
Polokwane City secured a top-eight finish in the just-ended South African season.
Mapfumo finished just a goal behind the club’s top goalscorer, Oswin Appollis, who fired home half-a-dozen goals.
Appollis was also included in the Bafana Bafana squad.
“It feels good that we managed to secure a top-eight slot and I think it is not something bad since we won promotion last season.
“Our primary target was to survive relegation and the top eight finish came as a bonus to us.
“I’m not satisfied with the number of goals I scored and I know there’s no excuse for it but it is something which can be improved next season,’’ Mapfumo.