Chirewa content with Terriers move

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

YOUTHFUL Zimbabwe international midfielder Tawanda Chirewa feels he made the right decision for his blossoming career after taking up a loan deal to third-tier side Huddersfield Town from Premiership side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The highly-rated Zimbabwean midfielder will be with The Terriers until the end of the 2024/25 season, a move that both the club and the player were eager to make happen.

The 21-year-old, keen on more first-team playing opportunities, had just returned from another loan spell at Derby County, only to find himself on the move again.

Chirewa sat on the bench when Wolves beat Aston Villa in an English Premiership match last Saturday, and the club announced on Monday night that he was among the deadline day movers. “I’m delighted to be here and feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to join such a big club ahead of a really important part of the season,” he said. Zimbabwe legend Peter Ndlovu also played for the club on loan in 2000.

Chirewa joins Wolves teammates Nigel Lonwijk and Joe Hodge, who are also on loan to the Terriers until the end of the season.

“I’ve heard amazing things from Nigel and Joe about what it’s like to play here, the facilities, coaches, and the supporters, and I can’t wait to experience all of that for myself.

“There were a few different options available to me, but coming to Huddersfield Town always felt like the right decision.

“Speaking to the Sporting Director Mark and Head Coach Michael only made me more certain, and now I’m just looking forward to getting started as quickly as possible,” said Chirewa. The midfielder spent the first half of the current season on loan at Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship.

His loan stint at Derby was blighted by injuries. He marked his return to his parent club Wolves by scoring twice in the Under-21s’ 3-1 win over Manchester City in Premier League Two the previous week. Born in Chelmsford, England, Chirewa began his youth career at Ipswich Town before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2023.

His journey with Wolves saw him quickly rise through the ranks, making eight Premier League appearances, and even playing in the fierce Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion. Chirewa’s debut for Zimbabwe in March 2024 was another milestone in what looked set to be a bright future. Highly-regarded at Wolves, Chirewa has already made his senior debut for the side, appearing eight times in the Premier League and twice in the Emirates FA Cup.

He was last on the bench for Wolves as soon as last Saturday for their Premier League victory over Aston Villa. Huddersfield Town Sporting Director Mark Cartwright believes Chirewa’s arrival could bolster their push for promotion into the Sky Bet Championship next season.

Michael Duff’s side currently sits in fifth place, 15 points behind log leaders Birmingham with about 16 games remaining.

“Tawanda has a unique skill set compared to our existing attacking options, and his flexibility to play anywhere in the final third with comfort was a real appeal to us. “A young, hungry, attack-minded player, we’re excited to have Tawanda join the group for the remainder of the season and provide Michael with another good quality option.

“We’re really pleased with how both Nigel and Joe have handled themselves having joined from the same club, and with a lot of meaningful football left to play, Tawanda has a great chance to have a real say on how our season progresses alongside his new teammates,” said Cartwright.