The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
FOUR years after he lost his place in the Warriors, former Dynamos number one, Tatenda Mkuruva, is excited about his return to the national team fold.
The 24-year-old goal-minder, who is on the books of Michigan Stars in the United States, is set to be part of the Warriors squad that will face Algeria in back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.
Mkuruva could not hide his excitement when he spoke to The Sunday Mail from his US base.
“I am excited and very happy to be part of the Warriors again and I am looking forward to more call-ups.
“It has been a difficult journey full of ups and downs, but I thank God and the Warriors’ coaches for the opportunity.
“I hope it is just the beginning of good Warriors life again, and I will give my all for the country.” Mkuruva last featured for the Warriors at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon under Kalisto Pasuwa, before his career took a knock in the South African Premiership when he joined Cape Town City FC from Dynamos.
He failed to replicate his DeMbare form and moved to Zambian side Buildcon a year later. But just like in Cape Town, Mkuruva struggled to impose himself in Zambia.
He subsequently made a move to the US in 2018, where he settled and became the first choice for the National Independent Soccer Association side.
“I am happy with my performance so far, but there is still more room for improvement. I will continue working hard and try to maintain the level that I have set for myself,” he said.
The former Dynamos player was voted the best goalkeeper in the National Independent Soccer Association team of the season in the just-ended season.
“The secret of athletes is working hard, being disciplined, dedicated and determined. I have been trying to implement these things and I am aware that if I follow those steps I will get better by each day.
“I was voted as the best goalkeeper for the just-ended season and I was also in the best 11 of the season; this is a reflection of the hard work I have been putting in.”
He insisted he had no regrets about his earlier moves to South Africa and Zambia.
“I do not regret any of my moves, especially the one to Cape Town City FC. It was an eye-opening opportunity as I became a better player mentally and physically.
“It is unfortunate that the move did not materialise the way I wanted, but that is how soccer life is, and in Zambia, I enjoyed my stay,” he said.
Mkuruva still holds Dynamos dear.
“Once a Glamour Boy, always a Glamour Boy. I miss Dynamos for sure; that is like my home and at some point I would love to come back and have another dance with the club.”
He also spoke about how he wished his mother, who passed away last year, was still around to see his success.
“It is just sad that my mom is not here to celebrate my achievements with me. She has been there for me since day one; she used to call me before and after every game.
“I really miss those good times, but I know she is in heaven celebrating all my achievements and I dedicate everything to her.”
ZIMBABWE SQUAD vs ALGERIA
Goalkeepers
Tatenda Mkuruva (Michigan Stars, USA)
Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF, Spain)
Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka, SA)
Defenders
Tenadi Jirira (Detroit City, USA)
Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey)
Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows, SA)
Joran Zemura (Bournemouth, England)
Alec Mudimu (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova)
Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana, Zambia)
Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest, England)
Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Buildcon, Zambia)
Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa, England)
Marshal Munetsi (Stade de Reims, France)
Knowledge Musona ( KAS Eupen, Belgium)
Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs, SA)
Kundai Benyu (Wealdstone, England)
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United, Zambia)
Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu, SA)
Ovidy Karuru (Unattached)
Last Jesi (Al Hilal, Sudan)
Forwards
Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon, France)
David Moyo (Hamilton, Scotland)
Prince Dube (Azam, Tanzania)
