Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE International Tawanda Maswanhise feels duty-bound to give his best for both country and club Motherwell in Scotland.
The forward, who is the Scottish Premiership top scorer, is leading his club in the second phase of the competition’s top six, a huge milestone for Motherwell this season.
Maswanhise himself was nominated among the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year, with winners expected to be announced yesterday.
“The belief and energy around me, it really changed my day to day things and just getting my head down and focusing on the tasks I set myself to achieve. I never doubted myself once even when my form dipped a little bit,” Maswanhise spoke exclusively to Zimpapers Sports Hub.
For the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year, Maswanhise was up against Hearts duo Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland as well as teammate Elijah Just.
The awards were being voted for by players across the top flight.
Braga impressed since joining title-leading Hearts in the summer, becoming the top scorer for the club in a season that has seen Celtic and Rangers chasing shadows.
Hearts captain Shankland has been a big inspiration for his team despite being sidelined through injury for a number of matches.
Motherwell’s winger, Just, has been a revelation since joining the club, helping his side to fourth before the second phase. Maswanhise, who attributes much of his success this season to manager, Jens Berthel Askou, joined the Fir Park club in 2024 and this season scored 17 league goals in 31 games.
“I thank the manager because we have had so many conversations on how he wants to play . . . and he was talking like he wants me to do my job because he knew the skill and attributes I could bring to the team,” Maswanhise said.
The last time the forward played for Zimbabwe at the AFCON finals in Morocco, he left an impression difficult to ignore.
It was the Warriors’ last group game against South Africa, which the Warriors lost 3-2. He, however, did enough to prove himself at a time the technical team had decided to bench him the whole tournament.
Ahead of the Unity Cup featuring Nigeria, Jamaica and India set for London in June, Maswanhise is expected to be back in full force for his country under caretaker coach Kaitano Tembo.
“There’s a lot of pressure to play for your country, but that’s the beauty of football, if there’s no pressure I believe you do not play at your best,” he said.
“Every time I put that shirt on for my nation I feel so honoured and I feel like I have a duty and big task to compete every time I step on that pitch.”
That four-team tournament, which will see the Warriors face Nigeria, could be another platform for the star to prove himself against some of the best in the world – Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and company.
Maswanhise has not been short of admirers.
Scottish Premiership football giants Celtic will be given the chance to sign the Motherwell star if they offer a suitable fee, according to footballinsider247.com.
“Celtic are one of those, and as revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Steelmen are set to be open to selling Maswanhise for a sizeable figure.
“It is clear that Celtic’s transfer plans will involve signing a new forward to become their main man up front for next season.
“Celtic have not had a regular goalscoring striker this season, and the likes of Daizen Maeda, Kelechi Iheanacho and Tomas Cvancara all look set to leave Parkhead this summer.
“Maswanhise has shown his quality in the Scottish Premiership this season, with the Hoops battling Rangers and some English Championship sides for his signature.”
However, Maswanhise’s mind is still focused on the ongoing second phase.
After the 1-0 defeat to Falkirk on Saturday, Motherwell turn their attention to Hearts next.
