You Never See It In The Headlines

Talbert Shumba determination exemplified

You Never See It In The Headlines
A close up shot of the gloves that Talbert was using when he was Zimbabwe's 4th choice.
You Never See It In The Headlines

You Will Not See It In The Headlines


It was at Garden Court in a room which he shared with Richard Hachiro looking at the most satisfying view of Durban's south beach that I got to know this gentle giant.At that particular Cosafa tournament the Warriors were preparing for Egypt 2019,that Afcon journey that ended with more tears than cheers.He was one of the four goalkeepers that wanted to make it into the final squad.Odds were heavy against him and in the end he only got to play in the 3rd and 4th play off at the Cosafa tourney,saving a penalty in the shootout that gave Zimbabwe a bronze medal.While he was doing this the other Warriors were in Nigeria playing a friendly encounter as they geared up for Egypt,he did not make it into the final squad.

The 30 year old goalkeeper whose talent was unearthed by the legendary Peter Nkomo,did not drop his head  after that.He remained a part of the national team set up and was part of the team that played the preliminary world cup qualifier against Somalia as back up to Elvis Chipezeze.He was there on the periphery when this Africa Cup of Nations campaign kicked off with that frustrating draw against Botswana.He got his chance when first choice Elvis Chipezeze got injured in Algeria and Shumba was thrust in goals in a match that the Warriors could not afford to lose.He put up a decent show in the two all stalemate at the National sports stadium.

Talbert Tanunurwa Shumba who has seen action for Njube Sundowns,Highlanders,Fc Platinum,Chapungu United,Triangle United and currently is at Nkana Fc then had the unenviable task of keeping goals in a must win encounter versus Botswana on 25th of March 2021.
The giant nicknamed Macheso marshalled his defence with aplomb,was vocal throughout the game and was decisive when called into action.In the process he kept an  away clean sheet that had eluded the Warriors for 13 years in the Afcon battles.

"I'm very happy to be part of the team that qualified for the AFCON tournament for the 3rd time in a row its an honour I thank God" he said when contacted for a comment.

The tall goalkeeper who is also a popular figure in camp,especially when it comes to backing Papa Jimmy when the Warriors are singing pre and post matches, also had a message for the fans "I would like to thank the nation for the support they are giving us we appreciate it"

Talbert Shumba is a name that you do not see in the headlines,but it is a name that we should be celebrating.He is not like any of those goalkeepers who are hyped on Twitter endlessly.He remains grounded and unlike Egypt 2019,Cameroon 2022 he is odds on to be there!

Fortune favours The Brave 

CaptainRT 08