COVID-19 HALTS MAKWATA’S GOAL SCORING FAIRY TALE

Very few players can make an instant impact on a team and gain the respect of their new employers and fans within minutes of their first debut.

This was the fairy tale journey of the former AFC Leopards and now ZESCO United striker, John Mark Makwata.

Makwata penned a three-year deal with the Zambian Super League champions in January 2020 just days before the closure of the midseason transfer window.

ZESCO United’s decision to sign the Kenyan hitman was exacerbated by the club’s desire to sharpen its’ striking force. Makwata’s goal-scoring ratio was also too tempting to ignore.

Before signing for the Zambian Super League champions, Makwata lit up the Kenyan league for his goal-scoring abilities. He was particularly a menace to defenders and goalkeepers during the 2015 league season, finishing second runner-up top scorer with 14 goals.

In the 2019/2020 league season, Makwata was yet again a sensation for AFC Leopards where he scored 13 goals in 10 matches. It was such impressive stats that caught the attention of ZESCO United to go for the nascent striker.

Makwata announced his arrival to the ZESCO United faithful’s in perfect style with a debut goal against Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in a match TeamYaziko won 2-0.

The Kenyan assassin was yet again back on the scoresheet when Power Dynamos hosted ZESCO United in a fierce encounter which ended 2-2.

Makwata’s scoring exploits at his new home continued when he scored his third goal in his third appearance for the club when ZESCO United lost 2-1 away to Napsa Stars.

The Kenyan international striker has thus far played five games for ZESCO United, finding the back of the net three times.

Makwata’s impressive start to life at ZESCO United was unexpectedly halted by the outbreak of Coronavirus or COVID-19, a global pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives globally.

On March 20, 2020, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) decided to temporarily suspend the 2019/2020 league season following the outbreak of COVID-19, with only nine games to play.

FAZ was among many Football Associations across the globe that took such radical measures following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global plea to have most social-economic activities suspended as a panacea to stop the disease from spreading further.

It has now been over four months since the league was temporally suspended.

The ZESCO United Media team caught up with the star player to find out how he is coping in the ‘New Normal’ after his mouth-watering arrival at the club.

“I was disappointed about the situation but we have no choice because corona has affected a lot of countries around the world. I have remained positive, but I feel bad because I was enjoying great form. I hope things will get back to normal soon.”

The temporal closure of the league has opened doors to innovative ways of keeping players fit in the ‘New Normal.’  ZESCO United technical bench has ordered players to conduct individual training to help them stay in shape.

However, Makwata feels that the physical presence of teammates and the coach ensures that everyone remains focused.

“The focus at the moment is individual training and remaining disciplined. However, It is difficult for any player because individual training is not like team training. You can be pushing yourself but maybe not to the level you need to be. The only option is to continue working hard and hope that things get back to normal soon.

The mere fact that the coach is present keeps everyone awake and attentive. The absence of the coach can make one feel lazy to complete certain tasks as a result affecting one’s fitness levels.”

Joining a team midseason can be a big task for any player. Before the temporal closure of the league, Makwata was trying to adapt to his new environment.

“At first I was trying to understand my new environment, the playing style, and also my new teammates. Unfortunately, it is no longer the same after the outbreak of COVID19. Sometimes I meet my colleagues, especially during our gym sessions.

COVID-19 may have temporally halted Makwata’s impressive start to life at ZESCO United, the Kenyan striker remains optimistic he will hit the ground running when the league resumes.

“I was signed to help the team score goals and win games. That remains my mission. I will work hard to help my team win games so that we can win the titles. This is a pressure team where fans and management want to win titles.

It will be a good feeling to win the league, especially that I joined the team during the midseason window. But I am working hard to ensure that I adapt to life at the club.”

Author: Desmond Katongo