Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
After months on the sidelines, goalkeeper Tymon Mvula is finally set to make his long-awaited debut for Yadah tomorrow when they host his parent club, Scottland, at Rufaro Stadium.
The former Dynamos shot-stopper will feature in this edition of the Premiership for the first time, having recently joined Yadah on loan alongside midfielders King Nadolo and Innocent Muchaneka. All three were offloaded by Scottland − coached by Tonderai Ndiraya − in a squad-trimming exercise prompted by a wave of high-profile signings during the transfer window.
While Nadolo and Muchaneka have already made three appearances apiece, Mvula’s involvement was delayed by a standoff stemming from the absence of a formal loan agreement. The 29-year-old was informed late last month that he was being shipped to Yadah but dug in his heels when Scottland failed to furnish him with the official paperwork.
“Everything has been sorted. I’ve been training, and this weekend I’m available for selection,” said Mvula.
“Last week I wasn’t feeling well. The issues had already been resolved, but I couldn’t return to play for health reasons.”
His return coincides with that of celebrated former Warriors goalie Edmore “Zikeeper” Sibanda, who also re-enters the fray. Given Sibanda’s legacy and ties with the club, he remains Yadah’s likely first-choice between the posts − yet again pitting Mvula against another heavyweight.
It’s become a familiar theme for Mvula. From Dynamos to Simba Bhora and now Scottland, the gloveman has consistently found himself buried beneath top-tier rivals. At Dynamos, he had to compete with Talbert Shumba and Frank Kuchinei. At Simba Bhora, he again faced Shumba − alongside Simbarashe Chinani. In 2024, Simba Bhora’s title-winning season, Mvula managed only nine appearances and failed to keep a single clean sheet.
He moved to Scottland, seemingly in search of a fresh start, alongside the likes of Shumba, Walter Musona, Vassili Kawe, Tymon Machope, Tichaona Chipunza, and Albert Manenji. But instead of a breakthrough, Mvula was met by more competition − this time from Shumba again, ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars keeper and Golden Glove winner Nelson Chadya, and Kelvin Shangiwa from MWOS.
Desperate for minutes, he took the loan move to Yadah. But even now, it remains to be seen whether he can dislodge the experienced Sibanda.
“I’m ready to play,” said Mvula. “Competition is part of the game, so as a player, you just need to focus on improving your game. 2024 was my worst season ever − emotionally taxing at times − but a player has to rise and try again.”
Yadah sit 14th on the 18-team log with four points from five games. Scottland, meanwhile, are flying high in third place with 10 points.
