MJ : Tell us about your earliest soccer memories Gilbert.
Gilbert Mushangazike : I started playing soccer for the Harare-based team, Dynamos Juniors, in Zimbabwe in 1987. I was only 12 years old at the time. In 1988 I joined Fire Batteries which was campaigning in the Second Division and we were promoted to the First Division that same year. At the end of the 1989 season we got promoted to the Premier League. In 1991 I was selected to represent Zimbabwe in an under-17 tournament in Swaziland and I was the tournaments top goal scorer with seven goals. It was that tournament that I had an offer to play for BSV Kickers in Germany, where I stayed for four years.

MJ : Why did you come back to Zimbabwe ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : I was not happy in Germany, because the team did not want to release me for international duty. Those people were selfish and they did'nt want to pay me. I expected R30 000/month but they gave me only R10 000. There were also many German teams who wanted my services, but the team wanted to frustrate me, so I had no choice but to return to Zimbabwe to play for Blackpool.

MJ : Tell us about your move to Manning Rangers ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : The team was looking for strikers and when they saw, they asked me to come for trials. I came and after impressing them, they signed me.

MJ : How was the reception at Rangers ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : I recieved a warm welcome from both the management and players. I felt at home from my first day, and everyone was happy.

MJ : Tell us how it feels to play in the Champions League ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : It was the first time that we had played in that competition and it was very tough. The travelling was good as we met people from different cultures. We also experienced different weather. By playing there we learnt a lot about football and I can tell you - it was nice to participate in the competition.

MJ : What is it like to play for Rangers ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : Oh, its nice to play for the team because theres no pressure at all. Each and every player puts in 100% effort in each and every game. We play our roles well so that makes it easy for the whole team to produce results.

MJ : Do you regret coming to Rangers ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : No, not at all. The decision I made in joining the team was the best I have ever made in my football career. The team is playing well and I am happy to be part and parcel of the team.

MJ : Tell us the difference between the South African and Zimbabwean football.
Gilbert Mushangazike : Football in South Africa is run in a more professional way than in Zimbabwe. South African facilities are of international standards. There are also many sponsors who bankroll the teams and the league. In Zimbabwe we have a competitive league, but there is no money. Business people in Zimbabwe dont want to help develope soccer.

MJ : Your country has never qualified for the African Cup of Nations. What do you think the problem is?
Gilbert Mushangazike : Oh man! What a difficult question you are asking ... the problem in our country is that they select names rather than selecting on form players. They also look at old players who cannot run without the assistance of a motor bike.

MJ : You have been scoring some vital goals of late?
Gilbert Mushangazike :Yes, I am scoring them, but you must know that as a striker I'm supposed to bang in as many goals as possible. Thats what I'm employed to do. I want to score as many goals as I can so that I can help my team win the League Championship. You know I'm optimistic that we will do that. We are not worried about Kaizer Chiefs or Sundowns because the trophy belongs to Chatsworth.

MJ : What can you tell us about your team-mate Kerryn Jordan ?
Gilbert Mushangazike : Kerryn is a good partner upfront. We combine and compliment each other well. He is also a hard worker who reads the game well. He makes my scoring job easy and I also do the same for him.

MJ : What is Gordon Igesund like?
Gilbert Mushangazike : From my point of view, I think he is the best coach I have ever worked under in my football career. He does'nt shout at us, but encourages all of us to do well in the field of play.