No panic, just Belief: Great Zimbabwe University Captain Kagondo backs Students to climb out of the mud
A goalless draw doesn’t set hearts racing, but for Great Zimbabwe University FC captain Takudzwa Kagondo, Saturday’s stalemate against FC Wangu Mazodze in Week 12 of the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League carried more weight than the score suggests.
The point keeps GZU 16th on the log with 9 points from 11 games. Just one win, five draws, five losses. Eight goals scored, 22 conceded. The numbers are harsh. The goals have dried up. The bottom zone is breathing down their necks. Yet in Kagondo’s voice there was no panic, only a captain’s resolve.
“The season has not gone the way we had hoped so far. Being in 15th position is not where we want to be as a team,” Kagondo told Fanzone after the whistle. “We know we have not been converting enough of the chances we create. However, I believe our performances have been better than some of the results suggest. We have shown resilience in several matches, including today’s draw but we need to be more clinical in front of goal.”
Resilience without reward. That’s been GZU’s story so far this season. Five draws tell you they’re hard to beat. Eight goals tell you they’re struggling to win. Against Wangu Mazodze, a team also stuck in the relegation scrap on 10 points, chances came and went. The net stayed still.
But if results don’t show belief, Kagondo says the dressing room does.
“The mood in the dressing room remains positive and focused. The players understand the situation we are in but there is no panic. We continue to work hard at training, support one another and believe that with improved finishing and consistency we can move away from the bottom zone. Everyone is determined to turn things around.”
Determination will need to turn into goals fast. With 9 points on the board, GZU sit just above Power FC and Four Lions. The gap to safety isn’t a canyon yet, but every dropped point makes the climb steeper.
Kagondo was clear about the plan for the remainder of the campaign. Short term, survive the first round with points in the bag. Long term, breathe easy in the second half.
“Our immediate target is to collect as many points as possible before the end of the first round and build momentum heading into the second round. We want to improve our attacking output, reduce mistakes and become harder to beat.
For the second round, the goal is to move comfortably away from the relegation positions and compete higher up the table. Realistically, I believe GZU FC has the quality to finish in the mid-table positions if we remain focused and improve our goal-scoring record. The season is still long and there are many points to play for.”
Mid-table from 15th. Ambitious, but Kagondo isn’t selling dreams. He’s selling work rate. He knows the Eastern Region is tight from 10th down. A run of two wins can lift GZU past Wangu Mazodze, Destiny Stars, and Manica Diamonds U19 in one swoop. That’s the margin they’re working with.
The captain’s own story mirrors the team’s grind. He’s in his final semester at Great Zimbabwe University, chasing a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies while wearing the armband every Saturday. Balancing lecture halls and training pitches is a discipline few understand.
“I make sure that I attend my lectures, complete assignments on time and use my free time effectively for studying. At the same time I remain fully committed to training sessions and matches. The biggest challenge has been managing deadlines especially during periods when examinations, research work and important fixtures happen at the same time. It can be physically and mentally demanding but with support from lecturers, teammates, coaches and family I have managed to stay on track.”
That balance shapes how he leads. Kagondo isn’t just barking orders. He’s setting the standard of commitment. As captain, his individual targets are simple: consistency, leadership, and results.
“My first responsibility is to lead by example and help the team achieve its objectives. Personally, I want to maintain consistent performances, contribute positively to the team’s results and continue developing as a leader both on and off the field.”
And beyond this season? The final-year student faces the question every varsity footballer dreads: football or degree? Kagondo refuses to choose one over the other.
“Looking ahead, I would like to pursue football professionally if the opportunity arises because it is something I am passionate about and have dedicated many years to. At the same time completing my degree is very important because education provides long-term opportunities and security. My aim is to use both football and my academic qualifications to build a successful future. If an opportunity in professional football comes I will pursue it wholeheartedly while also making use of the knowledge and skills I have gained through my degree.”
It’s that mindset that keeps GZU’s season alive. The goals may have dried up, the log may look bleak, but the captain insists the storm hasn’t broken them yet. There’s work to do, points to chase, and belief to hold onto.
For the Pacific Storm Boys, Week 12 ended 0-0. For Takudzwa Kagondo, the real work starts now.
