Warriors call-up has Yogo-Yogo buzzing

EXACTLY 20 years after the death of his uncle Blessing, a CAPS United luminary who perished in an accident on March 12, 2004, Junior Makunike got his first Warriors call.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who was born a year after the death of Blessing, has been included in the national squad to participate in the Four Nations tournament scheduled for Lilongwe, Malawi between March 18-26.

The hosts, Zambia and Kenya will also be part of the field to battle for honours in the inaugural tournament meant to strengthen the nations involved ahead of their participation in other international tournaments.

This is Makunike’s first call up into the national team at any level.

This follows a series of top-notch performances by the lanky holding midfielder who spent the past two seasons with giants Dynamos and now playing for Simba Bhora.

He scored a fine goal in his debut for the latter when Tonderai Ndiraya’s charges beat Manica Diamonds 3-2 at Sakubva last Saturday.

Makunike is on cloud nine following the historic call-up in a full-strength squad that has the likes of European-based stars like Tino Kadewere and Jordan Zemura.

“I have never felt like I am feeling right now,” Makunike said.

“I never expected the call-up but God is always amazing. I feel like I have wings to fly. To be honest, I am humbled by this call-up into the senior squad.

“You know when you are a footballer, you have your objectives and the do-do lists etched in your mind. Some things you will achieve but some you won’t. Getting a national team call-up is the ultimate dream a footballer can have.

“I can’t express how I am feeling in mere words. I am someone who has always worked hard to try and improve my individual rating and help teams that I have played for win silverware. I have always dreamt of wearing the Warriors jersey one day. I am very happy and that helps me to put more work into my training.”