Bamusi’s bitter-sweet Warriors romance
FOR Warriors wideman, PheniasBamusi, being called up for national team duty was the fulfilment of a long nursed desire and cherished dream as he was presented with a chance to represent his country.
However, his time with the senior men’s football side can best be described as a bitter sweet romance.
Since breaking into the squad and earning his first senior cap in 2019 during the race for a slot at the CHAN finals, the Mutare-born star has endured an on and off affair with Zimbabwe’s flagship team.
Bamusi appeared an integral and nailed-on first-teamer during former gaffer Joey “Mafero” Antipas’ fruitful reign in the campaign.
As the Warriors secured qualification to mark their return to the biennial tournament, the diminutive and slippery forward provided a creative spark and even laid an assist for the team’s top-scorer, Prince Dube.
“Qualifying for the CHAN tournament with the Warriors is the height of achievement any player desires while representing their country. To don the national team colours is special on its own and meeting the objectives that get set down in history is even more memorable. Personally, that we have made it to the finals of such a competition is a great feeling for me because I have always dreamt of participating and showcasing my talent on a big stage like this one.
“On the whole, it has been a good experience being part of this group; a treasured occasion whose every moment has been worth all the while. Turning out for one’s nation naturally brings pressure because of the huge expectations from the fans, but I am happy that I have so far managed to cope well and so far so good,” the ex-Buffaloes player told this publication in October last year after the boys had accomplished their mission.
But when the baton changed hands at the helm as new Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic took over, things took a turn.
While Loga recruited the gifted attacker into his provisional 34-man squad to prepare for his first official assignment against continental champions, Algeria in a 2021Afcon qualifier, Bamusi could not make the final team.
Granted,the CAPS United livewire winger became droppable once the big boys like skipper, Knowledge Musona, talisman, Khama Billiat, Marvellous Nakamba and Tino Kadewere touched base for the double-header.
Earlier on he had on the 11th hour been left out of the team which faced Malawi in a practice match as they prepared for the Algeria encounter.
Bamusi consoled himself, telling Post Sport: “It’s all part of the game (last minute omission) and we accept such things when they happen to us as footballers. Actually, it was kind of a bitter sweet experience in the sense that I looked at it in two ways. That call-up in the first place is a pleasant delight; the inclusion means a lot. It shows that I was being considered as part of the coach’s plans.
“However, being dropped at the end is a bit disappointing. All the same, I respect the coach’s decision and always support whatever player is picked because everyone cherishes being part of the national team. I have since put missing out on this opportunity behind me and will not allow it to draw me back. I am already looking forward to when the next opportunity comes around. I will always take that chance with open hands. This incident should inspire me to continue working hard and perfecting my game after the local game eventually returns.”
Since then things have not been the same for the pint-sized speedster.
The axe fell on him again when the squad regrouped for the CHAN finals preparations after being initially conscripted by Loga. He was among the casualties as the coach frantically shuffled his pack by constantly chopping and changing the team as he sought to select the finest crop. The Croat’s job was made tough by the fact that the local league had not staged a competitive campaign owing to the vagaries of coronavirus.
Yet at that time, the Warriors trainer said they would use the 2019 season’s form as a yardstick to assess the players. On account of this, Bamusi was outstanding during that period because he was adjudged a soccer star of the year finalist, voted for by the Premiership teams’ head coaches, their club captains and football journalists.
As he picked his troops to take to Cameroon, Loga indicated that he had opted for those who would promptly assimilate his philosophy, system and style and this could have been where Bamusi lost out.
On the other hand, and in hypothesis, if the Dangamvura-bred footballer fell out owing to be being a bad apple then he can only be his own enemy because, for the obvious reasons,that is tantamount to shooting himself in the foot. Chances like these – which seldom come by and not on a silver platter – need not be spurned.
But how does he manage to bear that disappointment? Is it not likely to affect him going into the new season? What impact is this going to have on his person psychologically?
To his credit, Bamusi has taken it all in his stride and continues to chin up. He is not allowing his glowing dream of bouncing back into the Warriors fold extinguish any time soon, reiterating his commitment to the national team cause.
“Barring injuries and suspension, I always stand ready to represent Zimbabwe whenever my services are needed because wearing the Warriors badge is truly an honour. Doing duty for my country is one of the foremost objectives of my football career,” he said.