Nakamba, Karuru, Chungwa Shine: How Footballers Abroad Fared


A number of Zimbabwean players plying their trade in foreign leagues were in action at the weekend, with the most highlight being midfield maestro Marvelous Nakamba.

Nakamba starred for Aston Villa as they beat Premier League giants Arsenal 1-0 at Villa Park.

The Zimbabwean, who was making his third league start, was showered with praise by his coach Dean Smith.

Tino Kadewere started for Lyon in their impressive 3-0 over Strasbourg in the Ligue 1 to remain second on the standings and title hopes alive.

Goalkeeper Martin Mapisa kept goal for Zamora CF in their 1-0 win over Pontevedra in the Segunda Division in Spain to continue with his impressive show between the sticks.

Defender Alec Mudimu played the entire match as his Ankaraspor lost 2-0 to Demirspor in the Turkish second tier league.

It was also a disappointing outing for full-back Tendayi Darikwa who played the entire match as his relegation-threatened Wigan suffered a 3-2 defeat to Wimbledon in the English League One.

Also in England, Warriors defender Adam Chicksen played as his Notts County won 4-2 on penalties in the FA Cup fifth round encounter against Havant & Waterlooville.

Macauley Bonne, who once donned national colours and a holder a Zimbabwean passport, came on as a substitute as his Queens Park Rangers won 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship.

In the same division, Andy Rinomhota – who is eligible to play for Zimbabwe – featured for Reading as they played to a 0-0 draw against Stoke City.

Efforts to lure the midfield enforcer to play for Warriors have dominated the media but the Zimbabwean by descent was reported to be not forthcoming.

Warriors striker Admiral Muskwe was an unused substitute in Wycombe’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the same league.

In the Scotland top division, David Moyo was on the bench for Halmiton who played to a 1-1 draw against Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.

Across Zambezi, Dominic Chungwa’s brace earned Lumwana Radiants a point as they were held 2-2 by Indeni in the Zambian Super League.

The league, which has become home to a number of Zimbabweans, saw Takudzwa Chimwemwe and Kelvin Moyo making Nkana’s starting lineup against Buildcon while Jimmy Dzingai was on the bench.

They, however, lost the match 3-1 to a team that had another Zimbabwean, Praise Tonha starting.

Ali Sadiki played in Kabwe Warriors’ 1-0 win over Red Arrows while Tafadzwa Rusike started in Zesco’s 1-0 defeat to Young Green Eagles.

In South Africa, Ovidy Karuru continued with his fine form for Black Leopards – scoring a brace to see off Jomo Cosmos in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

In the same tournament, Divine Lunga, Knox Mutizwa and Danny Phiri were all in action for Golden Arrows who lost 5-4 on penalties to Amazulu.

Butholezwe Ncube was in action for Usuthu while Talent Chawapiwa was an unused substitute.

Gabriel Nyoni came on as a substitute as his lower division side Cape Umoya lost 1-0 to top-flight side Moroka Swallows.

Khama Billiat, who has since started light training, remained on the sidelines due to injury as Kaizer Chiefs were stunned 2-1 by Richards Bay to crash out of the knockout tournament.

Willard Katsande, whose future at Naturena looks bleak, was an unused substitute. Nhau/Indaba

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