Mushekwi signs for Chinese club

Sports Reporter
WARRIORS’ striker Nyasha Mushekwi has put a lid over the speculation on his football future after he was unveiled yesterday by Chinese side Dalian Yifang FC.

Mushekwi whose career had been in limbo since he returned to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns following the expiry of a loan deal at Sweden’s Djugardens.

The big striker enjoyed success during his brief six months spell in Sweden and it appears Swedish coach Mikael Stahre, who is now the coach at Dalian Yifang was influential in the big money deal.

The side currently play in the China League One division, which is the second tier in the Chinese Football Association.

The team is based in Dalian, Liaoning and their home stadium is the 61 000 capacity Dalian Sports Center where they are owned by the Dalian Aerbin Group Co. Ltd.

Mushekwi had been linked to many clubs in South Africa and abroad including a swap deal between Sundowns with Bidvest Wits’ Sibusiso Vilakazi.

But according to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Mushekwi was in Stockholm yesterday where he completed the move and was presented as a Yifang FC player in a deal that was brokered by top Swedish agent Patrick Mörk.

Mushekwi has been keen to leave Sundowns and had been increasingly frustrated by the club’s reluctance to let him go. But with his contract coming to an end next year Sundowns were keen to cash in on Mushekwi.

Mushewki was a darling of the fans at Djurgardens following a successful stint and the club tried without success to negotiate with Sundowns for a permanent deal although they deemed him excess baggage.

“It’s been a tough couple of months, I’ve just been training and trying to focus on my job. I think it’s right for my career right now.

“Of all the offers I had, I felt, first and foremost I wanted a new environment. I have been in Europe for two seasons, it has been good, and maybe I can come back. But right now it’s best for me to here.

“Like any footballer, I want to achieve success. That is my goal. I’ll try to do the same as I did in Djurgården.

“I will miss Sweden, and I will definitely come on a visit. It’s my second home — and it will always be,” said Mushekwi.

Mohamed Bangura who turned out for Swedish giants AIK was also signed by the Chinese club and presented alongside Mushekwi.