All eyes are on outstanding Highlanders defender, Eric “Tsiba” Mudzingwa, to seize the opportunity and impress Klaus Pagels, as the German begins his eagerly-awaited rebuilding exercise. Mudzingwa has been a revelation at Bosso ever since Kaindu switched him from midfield to central defence, forming an impregnable partnership with captain Innocent Mapuranga.
It was as much a tribute to goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda’s form as it is to the Mapuranga and Mudzingwa partnership that Highlanders’ defence was the meanest in the premiership last term, conceding just 15 league goals, after registering 19 clean sheets.
Indeed, the tightly-knit Bosso defence was a key factor in the team’s improbable title push and Coach Kevin Kaindu cannot wait to see some of the department’s top performers rewarded with a call for national duty.
“Mudzingwa has been terrific and I would not hesitate to recommend him to the national team coaches,” said the Zambian-born trainer. “He would definitely have been one of the soccer stars of the year had it not been for the yellow cards he accumulated. He is a fighter who works hard for the team. His contribution is not confined to defence, as he often joins the attack as well.”
Mudzingwa made his name at Bosso as a versatile midfielder who filled both defensives and attacking roles. He has excellent ball-wining qualities and labours tirelessly for the cause. Yet, perhaps it was because of the challenges he faces with his first touch and creativity that convinced the Highlanders technical team of his future elsewhere on the Bosso line-up.
The 26-year-old’s emergence as a central defender of repute has coincided with a rebuilding initiative at national team level, with Pagels undoubtedly pondering a new central defence partnership to end the Ezrom Nyandoro and Carrington Nyadombo experiment.
Nyandoro, a defensive linkman, was only a stop-gap measure following the suspension of Daniel Vheremu, Thomas Sweswe, Guthrie Zhokinyi and Method Mwanjali over the “Asiagate”.
Highlanders’ manager, Amin Soma-Phiri, was also convinced that Mudzingwa’s star in the Warriors colours has begun to shine. “He has impressed everyone here with his attitude and abilities in central defence and I have no doubt that he can do a good job for the warriors if given the chance.”
Post published in: Football