Mwape Musonda targets promotion with Lerumo Lions as he embraces veteran role

Mwape Musonda says hard work and a professional lifestyle have helped him maintain his standards as he approaches his 36th birthday and prepares to lead Lerumo Lions’ promotion challenge in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The Zambian striker, who turns 36 in November, joined Lerumo as a free agent after leaving Black Leopards at the end of last season. He has arrived with responsibility in attack following the departure of Ntuthuko Mlotshwa, who joined Betway Premiership club Chippa United.

Mlotshwa was one of the Championship’s joint top scorers last season, alongside Ronaldo Van Neel, after both players scored 13 goals. Lerumo are now hoping Musonda can provide a similar contribution and help them secure promotion.

Musonda has already finished as a top scorer in local football during his time with Black Leopards. The former Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows forward believes his experience can benefit a squad containing several promising young players.

“It’s been interesting. I think I have been here for two months and already I am feeling at home. It’s a good family that we have here. You can see the way we relate to each other is just amazing. It’s a winning environment and it shows by the results we are getting,” Musonda told Soccer Laduma.

He said Lerumo coach approached him because the team needed an experienced player to complement its youthful squad.

“I was sitting at home and the coach was honest from the first time we spoke. He said ‘I am looking for someone with experience’ because the team is full of exciting youngsters. I was just sitting (at home) and I came here and ended up getting a contract,” Musonda said.

“I’ve been around for some time, so what I would like to do here is help the team get promoted. I’ve been there before with Leopards. What I’ve found here is that the boys are working hard and they are deserving of getting promoted. What would make me happy is to help this team get promoted.”

Musonda added that remaining at the required level has demanded discipline, particularly as he has grown older.

“I still feel good and I feel like I still keep going. You can’t cheat this thing. If you don’t work hard, you won’t survive. The only way is to work hard and obviously your lifestyle comes into play, especially at this age. You can’t live your life like a youngster. If you stay professional, you can go as far as you can.”

He also feels Lerumo’s possession-based approach gives him the conditions to succeed in front of goal.

“I think the style of play works for me because it’s something is not far from where I come from (Black Leopards). This is a team that wants to keep the ball. When you play for a team that keeps the ball, it helps you as a striker to position yourself well and create chances for yourself to take shots at goal.”

Lerumo have collected 11 points from their opening seven matches and travel to Pretoria this weekend to face Leicesterford City at Lucas Moripe Stadium.