Kenneth Banda
26 March 2008
Gaborone — Slippery forward, Master Masitara has become an instant hero at the resurgent Nico United. Signed from Zimbabwe's Division One side, Rail Stars at the beginning of the new season, the striker has quickly settled at Majombolo and has banged nine goals so far.
Despite his team's sluggish start to the season, Masitara remained a shining beacon even in defeat. He has formed a lethal partnership with former Zebras forward, Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge. The duo has struck a telepathic understanding, which has been a nightmare for most defences in the league this season.
Though both have good dribbling skills, Masitara is a strongly built player with a brilliant first touch while Kgoboge is very fast. Masitara started his football in his native Zimbabwe in the dusty streets of Chiredzi in the south west. He played for Mkwasine before he was snatched by Bulawayo-based Rail Stars which was campaigning in the Premier League in 2005.
The club was relegated to the First Division in 2006, but despite the setback, Masitara was voted as one of the best footballers in Zimbabwe that season.
He made it into the top 11 soccer stars of the year and finished third in the golden boot race with 16 goals. When former Township Rollers' coach, Madinda Ndlovu took over at Nico United, he went back to his native Zimbabwe and brought the talented Masitara to his new club. At the beginning, Majombolo fans had doubts about Masitara's ability. After a poor start, the striker found his footing and so far he seems destined for greater heights. He scored a brilliant individual goal when Nico lost 3-1 to powerful Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the first round.
Masitara turned defender, Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa inside out, outpaced two defenders before poking the ball past a drawn out Noah Maposa in goal for Chiefs. The goal won him the hearts of Nico fans. Although Majombolo lost the game, the majority of the fans noticed Masitara's talent.
No one gave Nico a chance against a resurgent Gaborone United when the two met in Gaborone early this year. However, Masitara extinguished the Gaborone giants with two well taken goals that made sure other clubs took notice of him. Against Santos at home, the soft-spoken, he displayed predatory instincts with a deserved brace.
Masitara opened the scoring 30 seconds into the game when he directed a flight ball away from a drawn out goalkeeper Raphael Nthwane. When Santos, then still very much in the hunt for league honours, threatened a comeback, Masitara scored a brilliant individual goal. He received a lose ball in the centre circle, outpaced Seabo Gabanakgosi and ran the entire half of the pitch before coolly lifting the ball above Nthwane to hand Nico a 4-2 win. However, despite the early form, the modest Masitara refuses to be carried away.
He said it is not difficult for him to settle at Majombolo and acknowledges the service he receives from his team-mates, particularly Eric Molebatsi, Master Masiku and Kgoboge.
The quartet has become an integral part of Ndlovu's side in its late charge to move away from the relegation zone.
"It was not difficult to adjust. However, I did not expect to make such an impact so early," Masitara said. He predicted that Nico United will not be relegated at the end of the season.He is now targeting 20 goals this season and believes that with the service he is getting, this is achievable. The prolific forward said he needs to improve on his accuracy if he is to become a complete striker. He is aware that Gaborone United striker and compatriot, Sageby Sandaka put on a brilliant performance when he arrived only to fizzle out.
Masitara said through hard work, he wants to avoid being a one-season wonder. He said the standard of football in Botswana has improved and his favourite player locally is strike partner, Kgoboge. He admires Chiefs' consistency and believes the Kgatleng giants will land the Premier League crown.
Masitara, who was born in Mazowe, outside the capital Harare, is a family man, lives a clean life and does not drink alcohol.
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