“Van Damme”, who made a name for himself while still playing for Dynamos and the national team, said he was still fit and raring to play, as he prepared for life with the Mutare-based Buffaloes. “I still have what it takes to be a good player. I still have strong passion for football and I think I still have two more seasons left to play before I hang up my boots,” said Matola.
“The thought of coming back was not influenced by money, but the need to demystify the myth in local football that once you are over 30 years old, you are over the hill. Soccer players gain intelligence with age. Most teams make the mistake of offloading experienced people each time they have young talent, yet every team needs experienced players who will be like leaders.”
Buffaloes coach, Luke Masomere, hopes to use the central defender to fill the void left by Themba Ndlovu, who has joined Dynamos.
“I am looking for someone who can feel that gap and if Jimmy impresses me, then I will sign him, but I want to hint that I will assess him more because we want his experience,” said Masomere.
Matola last played competitive soccer in 2012 as player-coach at a lower division side Monotronics, in Namibia. He played his last international game for the Warriors in October 2008 in a World Cup qualifying match against Namibia. He was part of the team that represented Zimbabwe at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals under Charles Mhlauri.
Post published in: Football