Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE national soccer team player, Tawanda Chirewa, is back to full fitness and featured for Derby County who edged West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in a Championship match at Pride Park on Boxing Day.
The 21-year-old forward had become a key figure for the Warriors before suffering a thigh injury early October.
That injury forced him out of Zimbabwe’s last four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Namibia (back to back), Kenya and Cameroon.
Chirewa spent about eight weeks on the treatment table and also missed a couple of Derby County games.
He only started training with the club’s Under-21 side early December.
Chirewa finally made the much awaited return to first team action on Thursday night, when he came on as a 71st minute substitute for English striker Kayden Jackson.
The Rams were already 2-0 up when coach Paul Warne sent on Chirewa, who is on loan from Premier League side Wolves.
And Warne, who is a known admirer of the Zimbabwean star, was full of praise for Chirewa during the post-match interview.
“There were some really tired bodies out there. I think you could see I was trying to help the lads out with their fatigue.
“We only had three central midfielders fit today, so we had to shuffle the pack.
“Tawanda Chirewa came on and did well as well,” said Warne.
He added: “I’m really proud of the lads. I make no secret of the fact that I gave them Christmas Day of because I trust my players.
“They’re brilliant people and they’ve repaid everyone here today (Thursday) with a real hearty performance.”
Chirewa return should be a boost for Zimbabwe who will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in March, although a lot can happen between now and then.
The 21-year-old forward was outstanding in Zimbabwe’s two World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa in June this year, having missed the opening qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Chirewa scored a brilliant goal as the Warriors lost 1-3 against Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11.
Zimbabwe coach, Michael Nees, will be praying nothing bad happens to Chirewa between now and March 17, when Zimbabwe host Benin in a Group C qualifier.
The Warriors anchor the Group with two points from four matches and they are five points behind log leaders Rwanda.
Zimbabwe’s two points came from two draws against Rwanda and Nigeria.
However, Nees who recently got a vehicle from the national football governing body ZIFA, remains optimistic.
The expatriate gaffer was not in charge when Zimbabwe played Rwanda, Nigeria, Lesotho and South Africa in their opening four World Cup qualifiers.
Nees was appointed in August and is basking in glory after guiding Zimbabwe to next year’s African Cup of Nations finals to be played in Morocco next December.
The German coach has also indicated that he intends to use next year’s World Cup qualifiers to prepare for the AFCON finals.
