eBusiness Weekly
Veronica Gwaze
Khama Billiat’s dazzling winning goal in a World Cup preliminary round qualifier against Somalia at the National Sports on September 10 will remain a moment to savour for a long time.
Marshal Munetsi’s overhead kick that ignited a late Warriors surge, still remains a talking point.
Warriors’ fans are also still talking about Ian Nekati, the ZPC Kariba right back who has been described by Joey Antipas as one of the finest in the local Premiership.
The 30-year-old Nekati was the only locally-based player in that match and the former FC Platinum player was not overwhelmed by the huge occasion.
“Nekati is one of the strongest right backs we have in the country; he is very mature and adds a cooling factor to the game . . . so when we were faced with a crisis after our first leg defeat, we decided it was time to call in the lad.
“The assignment was huge and I told him not to put himself under pressure but to do it just like he does at his club.
“That is what we called him for and I am glad he delivered brilliantly,” said Antipas.
Nekati has described his international debut as one of the most nerve-wrecking experiences of his life.
As he walked onto the pitch, the chap remembers how he was trembling, not sure if he would be able to deliver.
It took some kind words from fellow teammate Ovidy Karuru to calm him down and help produce the goods.
“The walk from the changing room to the pitch was my longest ever. I was trembling, praying deep down in my heart.
“That moment, Ovidy Karuru said something to me. He has no idea what the words did to me — he came at the time that I needed someone to calm me down,” said Nekati.
“This is your time my man, do not put yourself under pressure. Just do your normal best knowing in your heart that it is your day to make history.
“Just go and shine man, you never know who is watching,” Ovidy told Nekati.
Nekati recalls how Karuru’s words kept ringing at the back of his mind as he captured
the hearts of fans that thronged the giant stadium.
“Being my first time in camp with international-based stars I did not know what to expect but the guys were so friendly.
“Karuru instantly became my guy, he stood out for me with a few tips, tricks and his words kept ringing in my mind as we played the game.
“At times fear would grip me but recalling his words, somehow the idea of what to do would come in to my mind and I did just that,” he recalls.
Having started playing football during his days at Glen Norah 2 High School, Nekati feels he takes after his father, the late Tobias ”Rock Steady” Sibanda, a former Caps United and national team defender.
He joined Caps United juniors during his school days before breaking into Division One side Twalumba.
In 2013, he joined Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum before finding his current home, ZPC Kariba in 2017 as a right back.
Receiving a national team call up, Nekati reckons it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he grabbed with both hands.
