Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER three years of “exile’’ in the Italian Serie A, Warriors star Jordan Zemura will this Sunday plunge back into the English Championship waters when his new club Watford host Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
The 26-year-old moved from Italy top-flight side Udinese, on loan, last week, with the deal made possible by the fact that the two are sister clubs owned by Gino Pozzo.
Zemura made 73 appearances during his three-season stint for the Udine outfit, which he joined from English Premier League team AFC Bournemouth after playing 19 times for them in the top-flight.
The 22-times capped Zimbabwe international had helped The Cherries earn promotion from the Championship with a solid show in 34 games in the 2021/2022 season.
He said he can’t wait to have another go in the same league as the 2026-2027 Championship term gets underway tonight with Wolves entertaining Blackburn Rovers.
“The good thing is that I have been in this league before,” said Zemura.
“I certainly can’t wait for yet another run in the division.
“There is no doubt there is so much competition in this league.
“One really has to work hard to be able to stand the pressure in this competition. I should say I am ready for it.
“The challenge is big, the aspirations are huge as well, and I just can’t wait to showcase myself back in the Championship.”
The Hornets, relegated from the EPL five years ago, have been struggling to form up in the Championship, even fighting relegation last season.
They, however, look to be ready to challenge for the title and be back into the EPL given the work they have been putting in and the calibre of players they have added into their fold, including Zemura.
“I believe the season will be good for the team (Watford).
“I certainly believe that we will punch quite well and be able to achieve the team’s set objectives. We are not here to participate, but we want to compete.”
Watford technical director Gina Luca Nani knows the Zimbabwean well.
Nani told the Watford website about Zemura.
“Zemura is a player with key experience in the Championship. His experience in Serie A has further improved him defensively.
“He brings experience, quality and a winning mentality. We are really happy to have him at Watford.”
To show their intent for the season, Watford have taken in at least six high profile signings, including four from Udinese as well as another one from Bologna.
Goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia joined in from Bologna. While midfielder Martin Payero, strikers Luca Kjerrumgaard and Iker Bravo as well as wingback Omar Traore all tagged along Zemura from Udinese.
Another goalkeeper, Sam Walker, joined from League One side Bradford, and Zemura said that shows how serious the club is.
“It can only tell you and give you a clear picture of what the team wants to achieve,” added Zemura.
“I came here to add value, as has everyone who joined in and those who have been here already.
“That’s what we want to do for the team. I am keen to get going and see what happens.”
Zemura can play both as a defender or midfielder depending on the philosophy of the team. At Udinese, he was mostly deployed as a midfielder with the team regularly mounting a 3-5-2 structure.
