Tinashe Machemedze

IN football, talent may open doors, but opportunity, belief and proper nurturing determine how far a player ultimately travels.

That is why, in my considered opinion, Abubakar Moffat owes a meaningful part of his rise in Zimbabwean football to MWOS.

The midfielder, who eventually crossed the floor to champions Scottland, could today face Nigeria in Warriors colours if given a chance by Kaitano Tembo in London.

And if that happens, with the amount of scouts expected, he could soon wave goodbye to the local Premiership.

The 28-year-old central midfielder is regarded among the standout talents in the domestic game.

For many supporters, Moffat’s call-up came as recognition of years of persistence and steady growth.

But if he is to break into the team today, he will have to prove he is better than captain Marvelous Nakamba.

It’s unlikely they will both be used in the same team given they all have a tendency to sit in front of the defenders.

Yet, while the spotlight now shines brightly on Moffat, I believe the full story of his football journey must be told honestly and fairly.

Moffat’s rise was never built overnight.

Born on January 18, 1998, the midfielder spent years refining his game and broadening his football education beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.

His development took him to Spain, where he featured for clubs and academies including FC Malaga City Academy, Vélez CF, CD Estepona and CF Motril, experiences that sharpened both his tactical intelligence and technical discipline.

Those who know football appreciate that European exposure alone does not guarantee success back home.

Many players return with experience yet struggle to find the right environment to relaunch their careers. In Moffat’s case, that environment emerged in Norton.

MWOS recognised his potential and moved to secure his services at a crucial stage of both the player’s and the club’s ambitions.

The club handed him an opportunity to reconnect with Zimbabwean football while contributing to an exciting project that was rapidly earning respect in the Premier Soccer League.

As Norton Ward 7 councillor and a member of the MWOS board, I had the privilege of witnessing that progression.

I saw Abubakar Moffat’s rise at close range and I firmly believe MWOS played a critical role in his journey, I would say.

Football success does not happen in isolation. A player needs people and institutions willing to invest confidence in him and provide the platform to showcase his qualities. MWOS did exactly that for Moffat.

His contribution at MWOS was visible to all.

The midfielder brought calmness, intelligence and composure to the centre of the park and quickly became one of the influential figures within Lloyd Mutasa’s side.

His performances elevated his profile and helped strengthen the club’s competitive identity during an impressive campaign that announced MWOS as serious contenders in domestic football.

It therefore came as little surprise when Scottland moved to acquire his services.

Scottland, one of Zimbabwe’s most ambitious football institutions and reigning league champions, saw in Moffat the qualities required to strengthen their midfield department.

His move represented another step forward in a career built through perseverance and consistent application.

Moffat deserves enormous credit for his discipline, professionalism and hard work.

MWOS believed in him, gave him responsibility and provided the environment where he could demonstrate his value within Zimbabwean football.

The Warriors call-up and Unity Cup experience are undoubtedly deserved rewards for a player whose qualities have increasingly earned admiration among local supporters and analysts alike.

His inclusion among Zimbabwe’s senior internationals reflects not merely current form, but a football journey shaped through sacrifice, resilience and opportunity.

Today, Abubakar Moffat wears Scottland colours and prepares to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.

It’s been a case of two chapters, his announcement at MWOS and rise to Scottland.