Zimbabwean footballers playing across the globe endured a weekend of mixed results, with some making their mark while others were left on the sidelines.
In England’s League One, Isaac Mabaya made his second appearance for Wigan Athletic, coming on as a right-back for the final 23 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient. The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, having joined earlier this month.
Brendan Galloway started for Plymouth Argyle in their 2-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers, playing 77 minutes before being substituted. Tendayi Darikwa also featured from the start for Lincoln City, who went down 2-0 to AFC Wimbledon.
Reading’s Tivonge Rushesha and Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba missed the weekend fixtures, although Nakamba did feature for Luton’s U21s in midweek as he continued building match fitness.
In the Scottish Premiership, Tawanda Maswanhise played the full match for Motherwell in a 0-0 draw against St Mirren. The winger found opportunities hard to come by, managing just one attempt on goal.
Across the Atlantic in Major League Soccer (USA), Cincinnati defender Teenage Hadebe remained an unused substitute in their 1-0 defeat to Charlotte.
In Belgium, KV Mechelen winger Bill Antonio made his first appearance of the 2025/26 Belgian Pro League season, coming on for the final 32 minutes in a 1-0 win over Westerlo after spending the opening two matches on the bench.
Denmark-based centre-back Munashe Garan’anga was again left on the bench as FC Copenhagen lost 3-2 to AGF in the Superliga. He is yet to make a league appearance this season, with his only minutes coming in last month’s UEFA Champions League playoffs.
In South Africa, the Betway Premiership kicked off with several Zimbabweans involved. AmaZulu’s new signing Thando Ngwenya made a full competitive debut in their 1-0 win over Orbit College, starting as a striker. Daniel Msendami was in midfield for Marumo Gallants in their 2-1 victory over Richards Bay, with veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi between the posts.
Edmore Chirambadare featured for Magesi FC in a goalless draw with Polokwane City, while club captain Elvis Chipezeze missed out due to work permit issues. Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga was an unused substitute in their 1-1 draw with Chippa United.
Meanwhile, pre-season wrapped up for Wolves duo Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa in a 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo. Munetsi came on as a second-half substitute, while Chirewa remained on the bench.
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