Who does Mutuma really call?

WHO does Roderick Mutuma - the much adored Highlanders striker - really "call" whenever he scores?

Well, wonder no more.

When the self-styled "Prince" finally found the back of the net in a 2-0 win over Triangle on the stroke of half time at Barbourfields Stadium, he dedicated the goal to his wife with the usual "phone call" gesture that has become synonymous with his celebrations.

Committing the striker to an impromptu interview, no matter how brief it might be, is proving to be a mammoth task.

All because strict protocol at Highlanders now calls for players and even members of the technical bench, except for head coach Erol Akbay, to seek authorisation from the club authorities.

After the green light had been granted by team manager Vezigama Dlodlo, Mutuma said he was inspired to work hard by his wife Paida Ncube.

"The goal celebration was dedicated to my wife Paida. We have been through so much including the time when I left Dynamos and it looked like it was the end of my football career but by the grace of God I found a new home at Highlanders," said the visibly ecstatic striker — whose goal is the second in 11 matches.

Twice he was denied after being adjudged to have scored from offside positions, so registering his name on the score sheet at Barbourfields came as a huge relief. The striker left for Harare soon after the Highlanders victory to be with his six-months pregnant wife.

"If it's a boy we will call name Prince Junior," he said with a tattoo inscribed "The Real Prince" on his left hand in full view.