In football, goals are the currency by which strikers are judged.
When a forward fails to score consistently, criticism is inevitable, especially at a demanding institution like Highlanders, where expectations are permanently sky-high.
But the recent social media backlash directed at Mongameli “Smaller” Tshuma raises an important question: is the criticism fair, or are supporters being overly harsh on a young player still finding his feet at the highest level?
Tshuma has become one of the most discussed players among Highlanders supporters since joining the Bulawayo giants from Hwange.
He struggled to convert glaring opportunities in Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Ngezi Platinum Stars, which ended goalless.
The misses were instantly dissected on Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
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Some fans questioned whether he deserves to lead the line for Bosso, while others labelled him “wasteful” and “not good enough” for a club of Highlanders’ stature.
Such criticism is understandable to an extent. Highlanders are a results-driven institution.
Supporters are desperate to see the club return to championship-winning ways, especially as they celebrate 100 years of existence. Goals decide matches, and Bosso’s inability to convert chances has been one reason for too many draws this season. Naturally, attention shifts to the striker.
However, football analysis must go beyond statistics and emotional reactions. Tshuma’s overall contribution is often ignored because supporters focus solely on the scoresheet. Modern football demands more from a striker than just goals: movement, pressing defenders, linking play, creating space, and stretching opposition backlines are equally important.
In several matches, Tshuma has worked tirelessly despite failing to score.
His work rate is unquestionable.
He presses aggressively, chases lost causes, and constantly makes runs that create opportunities for others.
While these attributes may not excite supporters as much as goals do, coaches value them immensely.
The bigger issue may lie with the team’s overall attacking structure rather than Tshuma alone.
Highlanders have struggled creatively in several matches this season.
Chances have often been few and far between, placing enormous pressure on whoever plays upfront.
A striker feeding on limited service will naturally struggle for goals.
At the same time, Tshuma must accept part of the responsibility. Strikers live and die by finishing.
There have been moments where he should have done better.
Confidence is everything, and right now he appears burdened by pressure.
One can sense anxiety whenever a scoring opportunity falls to him. Social media criticism only worsens that mental strain.
Zimbabwean football supporters also need to reflect on how they treat players.
Constructive criticism is healthy, but personal attacks and ridicule can destroy a young local talent’s confidence.
Supporters often forget that footballers are human beings. Constant insults do not magically improve finishing.
Many great strikers have endured barren spells before rediscovering form.
Even elite forwards face criticism for missed chances yet remain valuable because of their broader contribution.
Patience may be required. Zimbabwean football has long suffered from a shortage of quality strikers, partly because supporters and clubs quickly lose faith in developing forwards. Washington Navaya was ejected from Highlanders only to do wonders at TelOne before moving to Hardrock.
One goal can change everything. Coach Benjani Mwaruwari, himself a former striker, understands the mental challenges forwards face.
His continued trust in Tshuma suggests he sees qualities beyond what supporters judge from the terraces.
Bosso fans are renowned for their passion and loyalty, but passion must sometimes be balanced with perspective. Tshuma deserves criticism when he misses clear chances, but he also deserves encouragement and patience.
Ultimately, football is unpredictable. The same supporters criticising him today may soon celebrate him if he hits a run of goals. What Highlanders need most right now is unity: supporters backing players, players responding positively, and the team improving collectively in attack.
Tshuma may not yet be the finished product, but writing him off completely could prove premature. The criticism may be partly justified, but it should remain fair, constructive, and measured.
After all, confidence is often the difference between a struggling striker and a celebrated hero.