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Langton Nyakwenda
THE arrival of former Celtics starlet Kundai Benyu at Harare giants CAPS United has sparked a significant interest in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean players.
Benyu (27), signed a two-year contract with Makepekepe last month, completing a sensational move that has also caught international attention.
Mistry Chipere, of the Zimbabwe Foreign Legion group, facilitated the deal.
Once described as a bright prospect by Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers back in 2017, Benyu is one of hundreds of Zimbabwean players who were born in the United Kingdom – popularly known as the British Brigade.
He has had stints at Ipswich, Helsingborg, Wealdstone and Vestri in Iceland.
Benyu also played well for Zimbabwe at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
His decision to retrace his roots to his fatherland might have surprised some, but unbeknown to many, his move could trigger a football revolution in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
A Canadian-based goalkeeper, Darlington Murasiranwa, is also training with Ngezi Platinum Stars.
An England-based player of Jamaican origin, Malakai Pharrelle McKenzie, is one of the rising players willing to use the Zimbabwean top-flight league as a springboard.
The 21-year-old played youth football at Malaga City in Spain before moving to Iceland.
His interest in the Zimbabwean top flight has been influenced by a number of factors.
Apart from playing alongside Dynamos keeper Martin Mapisa at Malaga City in 2023, McKenzie also played in Iceland where Benyu once had a stint.
McKenzie is also a fan of Khama Billiat, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star who is now turning out for Scottland, after an initial stint with Yadah Stars last season.
He fell in love with Billiat’s skills after bumping into a video of the Zimbabwean talisman on YouTube.
“I am telling myself, if players like Kundai Benyu who did well at the AFCON finals and Khama Billiat who is a brilliant player, can still choose to play in Zimbabwe, then I could also try the same route,” McKenzie told Zimpapers Sports Hub from the United Kingdom.
“A lot of people spoke about Benyu when I was in Iceland and I believe if he has chosen to play in Zimbabwe it would also be a great platform for me to showcase myself.
“I also have an ambition to play in the CAF Champions League and I can find that opportunity in Zimbabwe.”
Simba Bhora will represent Zimbabwe in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League and are part of a crop of emerging clubs offering decent packages.
Newly-promoted Scottland have also taken the local football scene by storm thanks to their professional approach to the game.
“I also have friends in Zimbabwe like Martin (Mapisa), we played together before, and he is always telling me how beautiful the country is.”
Mapisa confirmed that he is regularly in touch with McKenzie.
“He (McKenzie) is a top player, I still recall the days we were together at Malaga,” says Mapisa.
McKenzie is handled by UK-based SRV Sports Group, the same agency that handled Benyu when he played for Zimbabwe.
“The Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League is rapidly growing, much like other emerging leagues worldwide.
“We’ve seen how countries like Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in football infrastructure, and Zimbabwe is making similar strides in club professionalism, player recruitment, and stadium development,” says Zibusiso Nyatito of SRV Sports Group.
“With Simba Bhora competing in the CAF Champions League, Scottland making strong investments, and top players returning to the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, Zimbabwean football is heading in the right direction.
“With the right support structures, increased investment, and a clear vision, the Zimbabwean top flight has the potential to flourish both domestically and internationally.
“So, in the coming months, we anticipate more players transitioning to Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League as we strengthen our relationships with the domestic football and the national team.”
Nyatito says he has been talking to a number of British-based Zimbabwean players, with a view of persuading them to join the local Premiership.
“The return of Billiat to Zimbabwe, initially to Yadah, was another major moment for the league.
“Credit must go to Prophet Walter Magaya, who played a key role in bringing him back to Zimbabwe.
“His experience from Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns adds a new level of quality and competitiveness.
“This season, he’s moved to Scottland, which will further strengthen the league,” says Nyatito.
“Benyu’s move to CAPS United is also a turning point.
“His decision to return home shows that the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League is becoming an attractive option, even for foreign-based Zimbabwean players.
“Beyond these, I’ve been speaking to players currently based in the UK and Europe, and there’s a lot of excitement around the Zimbabwean league.
“Zimbabwe is a fantastic country with a rich football culture, passionate fans, and a strong sporting identity.
“Playing in the Zimbabwe Premier League provides a great opportunity for players to develop their careers while helping build the league’s reputation,” added Nyatito.
According to Chipere, more UK-based Zimbabwean players are weighing up options, with most contemplating a move to their fatherland.
“This year, we might have a couple of players coming down to play here, if they buy into the idea.
“If they see Benyu progressing, they will come,” says Chipere.
“Some of these players are realising that it’s better to play in a league that is recognised by national team selectors. At the end of the day, they want to represent Zimbabwe.
“There is so much good talent out there, we cannot bring everybody now, but we will try to lure those we can.”
Some of the players Chipere has spoken to include 20-year-old Tavonga Kuleya who is on the books of Doncaster and National League player Kennedy Mupomba.
Online Reporter