Zimbabwe’s top 10 footballers to play in South Africa
- Benjani Mwaruwari
Arguably one of the biggest finds by Jomo Sono, Benjani Mwaruwari was snapped up by Jomo Cosmos after being identified while turning out for the Warriors at a friendly featuring Zimbabwe and South Africa in a game used to commemorate the inauguration of Nelson Thabo Mbeki. Following an impressive stint with Jomo Benjani’s talent impressed scouts resulting in a move to Switzerland outfit Grasshoppers.
2. Knowledge Musona
Knowledge Musona is without doubt one of Zimbabwe’s top players to flourish in the South African premiership. Musona had one of the greatest impacts by a Zimbabwean player in the South African topflight, winning the rookie of the year accolade before claiming the golden boot accolade. Such performances saw Musona leave South Africa headed for Germany where he was snapped up by FC Augsburg.
3. Khama Billiat
Billiat is a symbol of excellence when one speaks of Zimbabweans to have done well in the south African topflight. After beginning at Ajax cape Town, superb performances saw Billiat secure a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. At Sundowns Billiat helped his club dominate with top performances alongside Keagan Dolly and Leonardo Castro seeing him scooping the prestigious player of the year award. In Africa Billiat helped Sundowns power to Caf champions league glory.
4. Gilbert Mushangazhike
Mushangazhike is another of the Zimbabwean top performers that left an indelible mark in south African football. Gilbert was a goal scoring machine at Manning Rangers and scooped the coveted top goal scorer award before securing a move to Germany. Mushangazhike later played in China before returning to south Africa where he had a stint with Orlando Pirates.
5. Tinashe Nengomasha
Nicknamed “Father” Tinashe Nengomasha represents the fruits of hard work. After being identified by Bobby Motaung while turning out for the young Warriors the midfield workhorse rose to become a legend at Amakhosi where he is regarded highly up to this day.
6. Esrom Nyandoro
Propelled by a game spearheaded by simplicity and hard work, Esrom Nyandoro is among the most talked about players following great service rendered to Mamelodi Sundowns in the defensive midfield position. Nyandoro was also a key player for the Zimbabwean nation team and is regarded highly by the Brazilians.
7. Rabson Muchichwa
At his prime Rabson Muchichwa was a marvel to watch and made a name for himself in the South African topflight where he turned out for Qwa Qwa Stars, Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows. Muchichwa at one point won the player of the year and players player of the year accolades thus outlining the talent that he had.
8. Tapuwa Kapini
Tapuwa Kapini is one of top players hailing form Zimbabwe that plied their trade in South Africa. Kapini turned out for Amazulu, Platinum Stars and Highlands park, establishing himself as a top footballer in South Africa
9. Kaitano Tembo
Kaitano Tembo ranks among the top Zimbabwean footballers to excel in South Africa after turning out for Seven Stars before securing a move to SuperSport United. At SuperSport Tembo was solid at the back before venturing into coaching.
10. Alois Bunjira
Alois is a gifted footballer that honed his skills at Darryn T before moving down South after being part of the all conquering Caps United side of 1996. In South Africa Alois Bunjira turned out for QwaQwa Stars, Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundown’s and Jomo Cosmos.
