Mwampule Masule: Silencing his doubters

Township Rollers goalkeeper Mwampule Masule is hailed by local football pundits as the most improved player this season. He endured a difficult spell last season due to inconsistent form but he rejuvenated upon the arrival of Madinda Ndlovu.

 
The Zimbabwean tactician has opted for Masule ahead of highly rated Zebras goalkeeper Michael Pepukani this season. Pepukani was signed from BDF XI as the club’s number one goalkeeper while Masule was expected to become the new signing’s understudy. However, he has surprised many by defying that expectation.
Masule has conceded only nine goals this season; the least amount of goals conceded by any goalkeeper in the league so far. The 22-year-old keeper has displayed match-winning saves that have kept his club at the top of the log, with his most noteworthy save being the one against title rivals BDF XI.  He saved a penalty against the army side and helped his side record a vital 2-1 win.

 
His recent form is an improvement from last season’s disastrous spell where he often lost his place to Thabiso Mathe and Botlhe Moralo. Fans and football analysts questioned his selection in the national team on numerous occasions last year, with some arguing  that he was struggling to live up to the standards of his predecessor, Kabelo Dambe, who left the club to join Platinum Stars.

 
This season the young stopper managed to silence his doubters by retaining his place as Popa’s last line of defence. The side’s central defenders, Leutlwetse Tshireletso and Oscar Ncenga provided defensive cover for the goalkeeper as he has blossomed between the posts this term. He boasts one of the best statistics in the league and his 11 clean sheets have solidified his position as one of the outstanding goalkeepers in the domestic league.