Zimbabwean Tawanda Macheke has revealed that his transformation from a striker to a defender at Maritzburg United may have saved his DStv Premiership career, thanks to his former coach Ernst Middendorp’s team.
When Maritzburg United signed him in January, they aimed at strengthening their strike force. However, after a few games, coach Middendorp took a major risk by playing the gangly player as a right-sided defender.
The former Dynamos and Black Rhinos forward has since established himself as a vital cog in the Team of Choice’s defence line, either as a centre-back or as a right wing-back.
It is this positional tweak that Macheke believes saved him from being offloaded by the club like nine of his compatriots that were deemed excess baggage by different clubs before the start of the current season.
“It was all about believing what the coach saw in me, I played as a striker for the better part of my career, but now I have adapted to playing as a defender,” Macheke told FARPost.
“Everything has a reason, and my role is always to give the best I can. It’s life-changing play in this top league and survives where others fail.”
The 26-year-old is one of the 10 Zimbabweans that remained in the highly-rated South African league after the massive clearout by clubs.
“Of course, at first, I was sceptical, but with the help of coach (Midderndorp), I grew in confidence, therefore, being able to retain my place in the team.
“My height and frame fit well in every position. As time goes on, I will develop to be a better defender for my club and country,” he added.
Macheke is confident his new position could finally earn him a place in the national team, which had proven elusive over the years.
Macheke is one of the few Zimbabwean footballers that invested in education, having studied Development Studies while also playing top-flight football in the Southern African nation.
