By Sheldon Hakata

FOOTBALL positions are as varied as the skills of players in a soccer team.
This week we take a closer look at strikers.
A striker is expected to score goals as well as create chances for teammates.
There are three positions for strikers and these are the centre striker and wingers (left and wingers).
A winger is an attacking player who usually plays along the touchline.
The forwards’ advanced position and limited defensive responsibilities mean forwards normally score more goals than other players.
When a striker runs into a shooting angle that is unlikely to result in a goal, they must find a way to pass the ball to teammates usually in the 18 area, allowing those in a better position to finish off the job.
Due to these responsibilities, some of the most important attributes include good dribbling skills, ability to control and hold the ball and circumventing defenders with ease.
Speed is necessary for effective counter attacks.
The centre forward needs to focus on one thing only which is creating chances and banging in goals.
He/she should avoid the temptation to take a major role in marking players as this leaves a gap in attack.
The centre forward is often a tall and technically fit player, typically known as a target man.
The player may also be used to win long balls or receive passes and retain possession of the ball as team-mates advance.
A centre-forward usually must be strong to win key headers and outmuscle defenders.
That attribute fits into the attributes of former Highlanders and Dynamos striker Makwinji Soma-Phiri who had a rare combination of scoring with both feet and was powerful in the air.
He became top goal scorer with most goals coming as headers while at Dynamos.
He was popularly known as ‘Kwinji 15’ by the Vietnam stand supporters at Rufaro Stadium in the 1990s.
Strikers are best known for their ability to peel off defenders running into space via the blind side of a defender.
Shacky Tauro was that type of player who would ghost in from nowhere to score spectacular goals when the opposition players and fans least expected it.
‘Master Goals’ as Tauro was called, was a forceful player as well as a menace to defenders.
He was very difficult to contain.
On one of the cup games featuring Dynamos and CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium, Tauro gave Misheck Marimo (now Chidzambwa) a torrid time.
‘Scania’ as Chidzambwa was called by the Dynamos supporters could not finish the match together with Tauro as the duo exchanged blows.
A striker should at most receive the ball in a good scoring position as typified by Peter ‘Thunderboots’ Nyama, Jerry ‘Dzunguman’ Chidawa, Maronga ‘The Bomber’ Nyangela and more recently Leonard Tsipa as well as Dominic Chungwa.
Chungwa is the current top goal scorer in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Strikers are typically fast players with excellent ball control and dribbling abilities.
More mobile strikers like Phineas Bamusi have an advantage over tall defenders due to their sudden burst speed and superior agility.
The young CAPS United striker plays like Charlie ‘Kabhasikoro’ Jones, who would take on defenders right into the box without knowing.
A good striker should be able to shoot confidently with both feet, possess great power and accuracy.
He should have the ability to pass the ball under pressure in breakaway situations, the likes of Claudius Zviripayi of Dynamos.
Zviripayi got the nickname ‘Hokoyo’ by Dembare supporters on the Vietnam stands.
The other section would sing ‘Claudius Hokoyo Zviripayi’ while the other portion responds ‘Zviri muneti’.
Friday Phiri who was also known by local soccer fans as ‘Breakdown’ or ‘Amayenge’ was a robust forward who used both his head and feet brilliantly at the peak of his playing powers.
He was one of the finest strikers ever witnessed locally as he was skilful and versatile.
He was a lethal striker who according to soccer commentator, Charles Mabika can only be matched by former Zimbabwe Saints and Dynamos striker Agent ‘Ajira’ Sawu.
Phiri was very effective both on the ground and in the air.
He was nicknamed Breakdown since could break any defense with his prowess and brilliant style of play.
Big Friday Phiri was just a marvel to watch on the pitch.
He was once named CAPS United Footballer of the Year and was a regular figure on the Soccer Stars of the Year calender.
He had more than 30 caps for the national team.
Friday ‘Amayenge, Breakdown’ Phiri boasts to have belonged to much famed-generation that featured the likes of the late Stanley ‘Sinyo’ Ndunduma, Shacky ‘Mr Goals’ Tauro, Onius Musana, Mike ‘Mabhurugwa’ Abrahams, Robert Godoka, Wonder Chaka, July ‘Jujuju’ Sharara, Edward ‘Madhobha’ Katsvere and many other deadly strikers alike.
As a striker you may play well, dribble a lot and help the team defensively but if you do not score goals, then you are not doing the job that you are employed to do.