Nhamoinesu tops Zim European transfers

Sport
FORMER Warriors defender Costa Nhamoinesu has become the first Zimbabwean to make a big European summer move so far, after signing for Czech giants Sparta Prague.

FORMER Warriors defender Costa Nhamoinesu has become the first Zimbabwean to make a big European summer move so far, after signing for Czech giants Sparta Prague.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MADYIRA

The 27-year-old penned a two-year deal as a free agent from Polish side Zaglebie Lubin, where he had been playing for the past six seasons.

He joined the Czech Grambinus Liga outfit having also been linked to Spanish La Liga side Granada.

The left-back was officially unveiled on June 26, together with Slovakia international Lukáš Pauschek and Kamil Vacek who came on a season-loan from Italian Serie A side Chievo Verona.

They then flew to Bad Leonfelden, Austria with the rest of the team two days later for a pre-season training camp.

Sparta Prague are one of the most successful clubs in Central Europe and the most successful club in the Czech Republic, with a record 35 league titles and 27 Czech Cups.

After finishing last season as two-point runners up to champions FC Viktoria Plzen, the capital city club booked a Europa League ticket and will start their campaign next Thursday against Swedish side BK Hacken at their Generali Arena.

Two days later, they begin their quest to reclaim the Grambinus Liga title which they last won in 2010 with an away date at FC Vysocina Jihlava.

While at their Austrian camp, the Czechs beat Hungarian side Kecskeméti TE 3-1 on Monday and Nhamoinesu’s former Polish foes Legia Warsaw 1-0 two days later in friendly internationals.

On Friday, they drew 1-1 with Austrian club FC Admira Wacker Mödling, while last night they were due to play lower Austrian league side SK Vorwärts Steyr.

Nhamoinesu expressed readiness for Czech football after captaining Sparta in the match against Kecskeméti.

“So far, everything at Sparta is at an advanced stage. Well, Sparta is a big well-organised team, it’s okay here. I am always ready for any challenge in this life in the jungle,” Nhamoinesu told Standardsport from Austria.

“The coach decided to give me the armband on my first game. Probably a way of welcoming me. Later he will choose the captain for the season.”

Notable former Sparta players include Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, Juventus legend Pavel Nedved, Arsenal winger Thomas Rosicky, Jan Koller and Karel Poborsky formerly with Manchester United.

Sparta were Uefa Champions League semifinalists in 1992 and have thrice reached the quarter finals of the then Uefa Cup Winners Cup – now Europa Cup.

Nhamoinesu told the club’s television channel that he has already settled at the club.

“Since Sparta is quite a big club, I expected that I would meet players with big egos and everyone doing their own stuff, but it is actually different,” Nhamoinesu said.

“We are like a family. Everyone is just trying to joke, ask and help. In the morning everyone asks me how I am feeling. Everyone is all smiles in the dressing room.

“As a player I am fast, aggressive and good in the air, so hopefully, I will bring this to the team for the success of the club. I’ve never been afraid of fighting. I know what kind of team Sparta is, that they are connected with success, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it,” he said.

Nhamoinesu is one of the players dearly needed in Klaus-Dieter Pagels Warriors’ squad.