Kavetja Ngaizuvare

For Mervin Kasetura, widely-known as Lukaku, his journey in football has been shaped by gratitude and a deep sense of purpose. “It feels very nice, and I am really sending a big thanks to the Almighty,” he shared.

Every achievement is a personal milestone that fuels his determination to work even harder for the future.

From defender to goalkeeper

Kasetura’s football journey began at Tura Magic Academy’s U/13 team, where he initially played as a defender. However, fate had other plans.

During a league game, the team’s regular goalkeeper was unavailable, and Coach Rooi made a quick decision—he asked the tall youngster to step into goal. That unexpected moment changed everything. “From that moment, I knew I had found my true calling as a goalkeeper,” he recalled.

Overcoming challenges

Unlike many athletes who face major obstacles, Kasetura describes his journey as relatively smooth—but not without challenges. “To be honest, I did not face serious challenges,” he said.

His biggest hurdle was proving himself without much support. “I did not have someone behind my back; I fought this battle by myself, until I got to where I am today.”

His moment to shine came when he was the second-choice goalkeeper behind Kamaijanda Ndisiro. Watching from the sidelines was difficult, but when Ndisiro moved abroad, he seized the opportunity.

“That’s when I told myself, ‘My time has arrived.’ I played with a target, determined to prove that I was ready to be African Stars’ number one goalkeeper.”

Mastering the art of goalkeeping

Being a goalkeeper comes with great responsibility. “Taking care of that whole goalpost is a big task,” he admitted.

His preparation goes beyond physical training—he studies goalkeeping videos, analyses techniques and focuses on constant improvement. “I always tell myself, ‘The whole nation is watching, so today is the day they must know me.’”

Career highlights

One of his proudest moments came in a match against Eeshoke Chula Chula, where his outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award in a 2-0 victory.

Known for his penalty-saving skills, he confidently stated: “Penalties are my thing. My strategy is to frustrate the kicker, making it easier for me to make the save.” Kasetura credits his defensive line—which he describes as an “Egyptian Pyramid”—for their support in maintaining a strong backline.

Life beyond the pitch

After a match, he follows a simple recovery routine—soaking his feet in ice to help him stay fresh for the next game.

Reflecting on his journey, he admits “I think I could have been an athlete.”

His role model, Lloydt Kazapua, has been a guiding figure in his career.

“He always tells me to keep pushing—good things are ahead.”

For Kasetura, winning the Best Goalkeeper Award is not the end, but rather a new beginning. His story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“This is just the start. I will keep working hard, and I know there are bigger achievements ahead.” 

With each match and each save, he is writing his own legacy, proving that hard work and dedication always pay off.

-klngaizuvare@icloud.com