Mukudu tries luck in SA

Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
FORGETTEN and ageing midfielder, Clemence ‘Skude’ Mukudu is in South Africa to try his luck after being invited for a month long trials at Melmo FC in Midrand. The former Highway and Sporting Lions player left the country two weeks ago to train with the team. Mukudu, who reached his peak while turning out for the Thomas Mapfumo owned side Sporting Lions, said chances were high for him to find a new home at the club.

“I am training for next season as the transfer window period has already passed. I have not signed anything as yet, but I am still being assessed. The chances are so high since the club has a lot of youngsters and I will use my experience,” he said.

Melmo FC is owned by businessman, Melusi Moyo and plays in the Second Division, Castle Promotional Side. Mukudu who was attached to Mutare City Rovers last year said that he would play for the next three seasons. “I almost hang my boots last year after Rovers missed promotion by a whisker. I was so frustrated and decided to take a break, but I have made up my mind that I will continue to play for the next three years. Locally I will be back at my favourite club, Mutare City Rovers.

“My target for now is to help the team achieve its goal of promotion into the First Division and scoring at least 12 goals. I also want to be the best player in our league,” he said.

Mukudu started his soccer journey at the tender age of 11 playing soccer in the dusty streets of Sakubva. He said that he was greatly inspired by his late brother and former Tanganda player, Godfrey Masakure.

His mother was another source of inspiration as she would attend all his primary school matches. At junior level he played for Super Tigers and Tanganda. He continued to shine when he enrolled at Mutare Boys’ High School and was voted the most valuable player in 2001. He was later handed the captain’s armband.

Mukudu joined CPMZ in 2001 and played for one season before joining Sporting Lions in 2002. In 2005 he joined Frontier Steel before moving to Mwana Africa the following year. In 2008 to 2010 he played for Highway under the tutelage of national team coach, Calisto Pasuwa and Lloyd Mutasa.

He also played for the Sugar Sugar boys (Triangle FC) in 2011 to 2013 where he helped the team to get Premier League promotion. Last year he had a short stint with the troubled Rusape boys, Dongo Sawmill before joining Mutare City Rovers.