Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE signings of veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Gerald Takwara have reignited debate over whether the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is becoming a retirement destination for ageing stars.
On Monday, CAPS United unveiled 40-year-old Zimbabwe international Arubi who arrived from South Africa’s Marumo Gallants.
A day later, title-chasing debutants Hardrock announced the signing of 31-year-old centre-back Takwara, who returns to the country after stints in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The pair have a combined age of 71.
Their arrivals follow a trend driven largely by ambitious Scottland.
Scottland have in the last 18 months lured former Kaizer Chiefs stars Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, while Terrence Dzvukamanja is now at FC Hunters.
Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba has also been linked with a move to Scottland.
Respected former footballers, Edward “Duduza” Sadomba and Cephas Chimedza weighed in on the debate.
The pair is in agreement that the return of ageing and high-profile players could open new doors for the local Premiership.
“Firstly, it’s because of the standards set by emerging teams like Scottland that we are seeing this new trend.
“You can see that those that are coming still have much to offer and still have the pulling power,” said Sadomba.
Now 43, Sadomba played club football in Mozambique, South Africa, Libya, Tunisia and Sudan before retracing his roots to Dynamos.
“In actual fact, the return of the likes of Khama (Billiat) and Musona has sparked fresh interest in local football because these are big names.
“These two could have easily remained in foreign leagues, but they were attracted by the good standards now prevailing in the local league, thanks to benefactors like Scott Sakupwanya,” added Sadomba.
Sadomba scored highs in his football career, including being short-listed for the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award for players plying their trade on the continent in 2011.
He holds a unique record of winning the Golden Boot accolade in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, while playing his trade with Sudanese giants Al Hilal.
Sadomba is the fourth highest goal scorer across both continental inter-club competitions with 33 goals after Tresor Mputu (55) of the DR Congo, Egypt’s Mahmoud Al-Khatib (37) and Angolan Flavio, who on 35.
“After such a career I still came back home and had a great time at Dynamos.
“I believe these returnees are adding real value. “Add that to the influx of quality foreigners then you have a top-flight league that is competitive and attractive,” said Sadomba.
Former Castle Soccer Star of the Year, Chimedza, says he also benefited from such a trend when it happened back in the 2000s.
Chimedza alongside Agent Sawu at Dynamos in 2003, when the former Warriors striker had returned home, following stints in Switzerland and South Africa.
“I credit two guys for helping in shaping my career, and that’s Agent Sawu at Dynamos and Norman Mapeza at CAPS United.
“Working with them after they had spent years in professional leagues gave me something I was never going to get from anyone,” said Chimedza. Chimedza won the 2004 Soccer Star of the Year award with CAPS United.
He is now based in Belgium.
“The young players can learn a lot from those experienced guys.
“Some fans are drawn to the stadia more by a Musona or a Khama Billiat, more than an upcoming player.
“It’s also a good thing for those players coming back to have a proper send-off from Zimbabwe fans at the end of their careers than to stop when they are far away from home,” added Chimedza.
With Zimbabwe champions Scottland set for their CAF Champions League debut, it is expected that the Mabvuku side will lure more high-profile players.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile had also been linked with a move to Mabvirarira.
“We need high-class players regardless of their age.
“We need other clubs to up their game, attract sponsors, and ultimately have the power to lure top-notch players.
“We have very good players in Zimbabwe, good upcoming players, and a number of very good foreign players, which is a good mix,” added Sadomba.
