adminFor some countries, such as Brazil or England, qualifying for the World Cup is almost seen as a routine.
However, as we look ahead to Fifa World Cup matches, it is worth keeping in mind that a lot of teams don’t have it so easy.
In Zimbabwe, for example, World Cup qualification certainly was not something the country was used to. However, during the early 1990s, the country was going through a golden generation of players. At the helm was Peter Ndlovu, who helped the team get to the verge of qualifying for both the World Cup and African Cup of Nations.
Who is Peter Ndlovu
Peter Ndlovu is a former professional footballer. From 1988 until 2011, he plyed his trade as a striker. He made it to the highest level in the sport, spending six years at Coventry City in the Premier League where he scored 39 goals in 176 appearances. He also spent time playing in the Football League for Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, and Birmingham City.
He spent the remainder of his career in his native Africa with Black Mambas, Highland United, Thanda Royal Zulu, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
His greatest honour was playing for his country. He was capped 100 times, scoring 37 goals for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s top scorer and most capped player
Those appearances and goals makes Peter Ndlovu the top scorer and most capped player for Zimbabwe.
During the early 1990s, he took the team as close as they had ever been to qualifying for the World Cup. Although they ultimately fell short of missing the tournament, the team at the time was adored by the nation, qualifying for several Africa Cup of Nations.
When Ndlovu’s playing career ended, this did not end his involvement in the Zimbabwe national team. He actually became assistant manager for the club in 2011, and maintained the role for two years.
He scored a number of important goals for Zimbabwe during his career. His first came in the summer of 1990 against Zambia as part of the SADCC Tournament.
His final goal in international football came 15 years later, on the 19th of June 2005. He scored for the team in a match against Algeria at Ahmed Zabana Stadium, Oran, Algeria. The game was part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification and it ended in a 2-2 draw.
It’s not hard to see why Peter Ndlovu is so loved in Zimbabwe
From player to assistant manager, it is not difficult to see why Peter Ndlovu is still adored in Zimbabwe until this day.
At just 49-years-old, he is still incredibly young in football terms, so it remains to be seen whether or not he takes up another managerial role in the sport.
No matter what Ndlovu’s next move is, you can be sure his place in the heart of Zimbabweans is secured forever.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter