‘This has been my best season,’ Gallants striker says

Despite being relegated, a top Marumo Gallants talisman has boldly said that the just-ended DStv Premiership season was his ‘best ever’.

The 2-0 defeat at the hands of Swallows FC put the final nail on their coffin, as Marumo Gallants were relegated.

Marumo Gallants had contrasting fortunes throughout the season. They were exceptional in the CAF Confederations Cup where they bowed out in the semi-finals.

But that was not the case in the league where they struggled, with off the field drama also de-railing them.

However, despite the misfortunes Marumo Gallants striker of the season, Ranga Chivaviro has described the 2022/23 season as his best.

WHY THIS WAS RANGA CHIVAVIRO’S BEST SEASON

The top Marumo Gallants striker was a cut above the rest in so many respects for the Limpopo based.

Chivaviro netted 17 goals across all competitions. In the DStv Premiership, he scored 10 goals in 19 appearances, while the other seven were in CAF Confederation Cup.

“For me, this has been my best season as a footballer. I’ve played and scored in alot of goals, I’ve played alot of games and it’s what you want as a footballer,” Chivaviro said.

“Especially playing in my position, you want to play alot of games. It has been a phenomonal season for myself. Above all it has been my best season.

“Football has been part of my life. It started at school. Football has been in my blood for all my life. I have had a knack for goals since childhood. 

“I have always envisioned myself being there, wanting to be there. What I cried for more, was an opportunity. 

“By God’s grace, as a grew older, I got the oppurtunity to put myself there and it’s been a living testimony for myself.” 

HOW PATIENCE HELPED CHIVAVIRO RISE

Chivaviro added: “I believe this is the best time for me to shine like this. When I was 25, maybe I wasn’t going to handle it. 

“Now, I’m more matured and as a man who has a family, I know what I’m playing for. There’s a whole lot of reasons why I’m playing football. 

“I can be categorized as a late bloomer but I believe I’m where I must be. And I will never take anything back.”

Although speculation is rife about Chivaviro’s future, the Marumo Gallants striker is playing cards close to his chest.

Tanzanian champions, Young Africans and Azam FC are believed to be angling for his services. 

Two DStv Premiership clubs, Sekhukhune United and Richards Bay have been linked with the marksman.

HOW PAST REJECTIONS SHAPED CHIVAVIRO

And as he celebrates, the memorable season at individual level, the Marumo Gallants striker believes past rejections shaped him.

“My first rejection was at Wits [Bidvest Wits] in 2013 and years later, I got rejected by Tuks as well. 

“But well, those rejections are always the ladders that we climb. It’s not everything that you’ll be given on a silver platter. 

“Those rejections made me, I just thank me for no giving up. As to where I’m playing next season, I will leave it to my agent.

“And he is obviously going to call me, but for now I want get football out of my mind. I just want to be with my family right now,” Chivaviro said.

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