Sundaymail EditorLangton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
MOST football fans know Iceland mainly for their “Viking Clap”, a rhythmic symphonic chant that alternates a booming shout and a clap.
It became popular at the UEFA Euro 2016 finals, especially after Iceland stunned favourites England 2-1 in the round of 16, which forced then manager Roy Hodgson to immediately resign.
With a population of just over 356 000, Iceland has the lowest population density in Europe, mainly because its rugged terrain and cold weather conditions. Its national team is ranked 52nd in the world by FIFA and their top flight league — Urvalsdeild — was ranked 35th in Europe by UEFA at the end of the 2015-2016 season.
The country’s most famous footballer is former Chelsea star Eidour Gudjohnsen, who won two Premier League titles with the English side, as well as La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League trophies with Barcelona.
Everton’s dead-ball specialist, Gylfi Sigurdsson, hails from Nordic island nation, where Zimbabwean international and former Celtic midfielder Kundai Benyu is now reviving his career at second-tier side Vestri.
The 23-year-old midfielder was born in England to Zimbabwean parents.
He has started seven times in Vestri’s 12 league games since joining from English fifth-tier side Wealdstone in February.
Once touted as a real gem by Brendan Rodgers when he was still in charge of Scottish giants Celtic, Benyu’s career had taken a nosedive in the last few seasons, with loan spells at English lower league sides Wealdstone and Oldham Athletic dominating his CV.
However, the player, who was included in the Warriors’ provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers in March, is determined to turn the tide and relaunch his international career.
“I have settled in okay so far, though it has been quite difficult because of Covid-19,” Benyu told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“When I first came to Iceland I had to self-isolate for seven days before I could meet up with the team. I also had to sort out my work permit and residency.
“But once that was sorted and I met the team, everything has been smooth. I have been very happy and I am enjoying the season so far.
“Life in Iceland is very different. I played in Scandinavia before at the highest level with Helsingborg in Sweden, and I enjoyed it a lot over there.
“Iceland is very different because Vestri is a small town with only about 5 000 people, so it’s very quiet but I am settling in well.
“We have a few foreign players and some from England, so that has made it easier to settle.”
The pencil-slim midfielder had a season-long stint at Helsingborg in 2019 and worked under former Barcelona and Manchester United striker Henrik Larsson, who is now in charge of the Swedish club.
He then moved to Wealdstone where he made 12 appearances during the 2020/2021 season before a move to Iceland was brokered.
“The weather has been very harsh as I arrived at the end of winter, but it’s coming into summer so it’s much better.
“But, I am here to play football and help the team push towards promotion and work towards getting back at playing at the highest level.”
Vestri are sixth on the 12-team 1.Deild table going into the second round of the league race.
Benyu is also looking into the horizon and feels the 2022 World Cup qualifiers that begin in September could be historic for Zimbabwe.
The Warriors, who are yet to qualify for the global showpiece, are in the same group with African football heavyweights Ghana, Ethiopia and rivals South Africa.
“I love playing football and representing my country, and qualifying for the World Cup would be a massive achievement. To be part of that will be good for me and the country moving forward.
“My passport issue has now finally been resolved, which gives me more confidence that I will be involved and make my mark, but, most importantly, get rid of this stigma of being labelled arrogant.”
For now, he can enjoy the Viking Claps as he works his way up the ladder again.
Online Reporter