Best of the best

Shingi Kawondera will go down history as one of the most talented strikers our country has ever had. He was a marvel to watch alongside Musareka Jenitala at DT Africa United and with Benjani Mwaruwari and Peter Ndlovu in the national team.

Shingi: I cherish my combination with Benjani.
Shingi: I cherish my combination with Benjani.

He gives us his best of the best.

Best team played for

Paphos FC in Cyprus. That was the only time I felt at home in Europe. Joel Luphahla and Zenzo Moyo played a big role in helping me settle in.

Best opponent faced

Locally, it was Tinashe Nengomasha while still at Black Aces juniors and I was a junior at Darryn T. It was always a tough battle, but I always won. Internationally, it has to be Ferdinand Colly of Senegal. He was a strong and clever defender who always gave me a good run. Against him, it was a battle of Rastas!

Best goal scored

Every goal I scored for the Warriors was very important, particularly those that helped our cause to qualify for the 2006 African Nations Cup. If I have to choose one, I will go for the one I scored in Gabon. Credit should go to Ronald Sibanda, who supplied a great pass.

Best match I played

It was during the same qualifiers when we played Angola and beat them 2-0. I scored one of the goals and was chosen Man of the Match. It was the first time I played alongside Benjani, Peter Ndlovu and my best friend, Cephas Chimedza.

Best coach played under

I have to give credit to two coaches who nurtured me because I believe at between 15 and 18 years, that’s when you develop as a player. As such, I would say Wieslaw Grabowski and Steve Kwashi. I felt their passion for the game the first time I met them.

Best venue played at

I have played in a lot of beautiful stadiums but the National Sports Stadium holds great memories for me.

Best strike partner

I enjoyed playing alongside Benjani. It was easy to play with him because he was an out-and-out target man and I was more like a supporting striker. We just complemented each other.

Best player to emerge from Zimbabwe.

Peter ‘Natty’ Ndlovu. There is no doubt and no need to explain why! I was blessed to play with this gentleman.

Post published in: Football

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *