TSG Hoffeinheim, Augsburg, OFI Crete, OH Leuven, RAEC Mons, Cercle Brugge, KV Oostende, Polonia Bytom, FC Vaslui, Ethnikos Achnas, Al-Shaab, KV Oostende, Royal Antwerp, Kalmar FF, Klub Sportowy Wista W Wisley.
Final Whistle with Michael Madyira
These European clubs are far from being powerhouses in their respective countries and are current or recent former homes to Zimbabwe’s celebrated footballers.
For a nation starved of world acclaimed footballers and desperate to make a mark in world football, Zimbabwe is quick to applaud these players after moving to these clubs.
But there will always be a reality check when the Warriors play continental heavyweights who usually boast of players plying their trade for big clubs in top European leagues.
Inferiority complex is always evident in the Warriors when they face these big stars. This is painful reality as grim results are there for all to see. Even the iconic Peter Ndlovu and Moses Chunga played for small clubs in Europe.
Only Bruce Grobbelaar, Benjani Mwaruwari and Norman Mapeza turned out for European giants.
It is an undoubted fact that most local player agents have no European links and their connections are limited to South Africa. Most players go to these clubs hoping to use them as stepping stones and a platform for exposure to more lucrative European leagues, but in most cases, it ends up being their final port of call.
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However, refreshingly, Costa Nhamoinesu and Quincy Antipas are now playing for giants in the Czech Republic and Denmark respectively after having started with unknown clubs in Europe.
Nhamoinesu is at Sparta Prague while Antipas plays for Brondby and these clubs are the biggest teams in their countries.
The biggest “off-side” story during this July busy transfer period is probably Knowledge Musona’s return to Kaizer Chiefs.
Zimbabwe is anxiously waiting to hear Khama Billiat’s fate with Russian side Locomotiv Moscow who are a respected club in Europe. Edward Sadomba played in the United Arab Emirates for lowly-ranked Pro League side Al Ittihad Kalba. While it was a good business deal, football-wise it was a crappy move.
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