dyton mupawaenda
Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter
WHEN former Zimbabwe international striker Evans Rusike made a surprise return to Zimbabwe, from South Africa before joining Yadah Stars, many were left speculating on why he had made the move.
There were suggestions that the former SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows striker had returned to the domestic Premiership to try and revive a fading playing career.
However, Rusike says he made a hasty return back home to be safe and close to his family, following a life-threatening incident that left him traumatised.
Rusike was ambushed near the entrance to where he lived in Midrand, kidnapped and robbed by a group of armed criminals.
The criminals locked him inside their vehicle and later dumped him in a nearby bush and took his car.
At that time, Rusike was weighing options after receiving several offers from South Africa’s two top leagues, following the end of his stay at Moroka Swallows.
The traumatic experience with armed robbers forced Rusike to abandon South Africa and return home where he felt safer.
“I went through a difficult time; it is still tough to talk about it because I have yet to get over it,” he said.
“I had to make a tough decision and returning home was the best . . . I needed to be close to my family as well.”
The towering star had not been with a club since leaving Moroka Swallows mid last year.
Back home, Rusike settled for Yadah, where he teamed up with former Warriors teammate, Khama Billiat who is also back home after 13 seasons with Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Premiership.
Rusike and Billiat had not yet made a mark at Yadah until Wednesday when they opened their scoring accounts in the 2-2 draw against champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
Rusike revealed that he feels the love at his new home and that playing alongside Khama took him back in time.
“We played together for the Warriors and having the chance to be together again in the domestic league is a rare opportunity because most of the players, who go on to play beyond borders rarely return to play home again,” he said.
“For some time, I was not active at a competitive platform. So on joining Yadah, it was a process to adjust but I am happy here and the improvement that I am personally seeing by the day.
“The love at Yadah is phenomenal, they have made it easy for me to settle and feel at home . . . All I want is to play my heart out and give back to the club and the community.”
Yadah will host Chicken Inn at the Heart Stadium tomorrow seeking their first win at their venue, after losing to Simba Bhora and drawing with Chegutu Pirates.
“We have to work hard and move up to a safe position, we would not want unnecessary pressure towards the end of the campaign so we need to turn the situation around early,” said Rusike.
“I believe we have what it takes, I know passion and dedication when I see it and this is what I have been witnessing since I joined Yadah which gives me hope that soon we will be bagging the points.
“Chicken Inn are a strong side and they are also in good form so we need to fight hard plus the fact there are “names” on our team things will not be easy for us.
Online Reporter