SWEDEN-BASED Warriors star Tinotenda Kadewere is a man in form. After three years in Europe, everything seems to be coming together for Djurgårdens IF’s man of the moment. His football wizardry and talent has always been apparent, which explains why the Swedish club’s technical team has retained faith in the Zimbabwean forward and their patience is now reaping rewards.
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
The former Harare City man has hit top form at the start of the 2018 Swedish football season in which he has been instrumental in helping the club reach the Swedish Cup final.
It has been a blistering start for Kadewere especially in the Cup after he netted four goals in five matches to book his side a final date with Malmo FF slated for May 10 at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm.
Kadewere’s side, Djurgårdens IF, also finished third last season to qualify for next season’s edition of Europe’s second most prestigious competition, the Europa League. The last two months have easily been the lanky forward’s best since he moved to Sweden and could see him play a big role for Djurgårdens IF in the Allsvenskan, which is the Swedish top league, as well as in the Europa Cup.
“My targets are to win the Swedish Cup and probably claim top spot in the league because last year we were number three, and also progress in the Europa League to make it to the group stages,” the 22-year-old striker told The Sports Hub in an exclusive interview from his Sweden base.
Kadewere scored twice on February 19 in Djurgårdens’ 6-0 win over Degerfors in the final group Stages match and scored the only goal in a quarter-final duel with Hacken. The red-hot attacker was on target in a 2-0 victory over AIK in the semis on March 18.
A win for Djurgårdens will see Kadewere bag his first trophy for the Stockholm-based side since he moved to the club in 2015.
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His late father Onias’ prophecy seems to be coming to pass for Kadewere, who foresaw his son conquering the world when he was just a boy.
It was his father who gave him the best advice that carries him through. Kadewere’s father, Onias, who passed away in 2015, was a former footballer himself before going on to become a coach later on in life.
“My father used to tell me to believe in myself because I have everything a complete player needs and to always focus on what I need. That’s why I miss him very much. I’m sure if he was still alive I would have achieved so much more by now,” he recollected.
Nevertheless, Kadewere has a Cup final to fight for next month.
“This is going to be an exciting game playing against the number one club in Sweden at the moment, Malmö FF. We will make sure we do our best to get gold to please our fans and to win silverware as professional footballers,” he said
After a season blighted by injuries last year Kadewere, hopes he will be fit to regularly show his quality and contribute to the club’s success more.
“It feels really great to be in this kind of form considering that last year I was affected by so many injuries, but this year I have been praying and working really hard that it does not end up the same. As of now I’m in good shape and I’m hoping to keep it that way,” he said.
While he is enjoying his dance with the four-time Swedish champions, Kadewere also spoke about his football aspirations and dreams.
“I’m just working hard to be rated among the best players in my country, and Africa and also the rest of the world. I want to make a name and also open doors for the next generation coming from Zimbabwe.
“Of course, everyone wants to make it to the big leagues and I would also love to play in either England or Spain, but at the moment I am more focused on where I am and will leave the rest to the almighty God, He has plans for me,” revealed Kadewere.
Former Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa and the legendary Moses Chunga have been on record many times touting Kadewere to become one of the finest players to emerge from Zimbabwe.
Kadewere was part of the new-look Warriors squad that took part at the Four Nations tournament held in Zambia last month and finished fourth.
He shares his sentiments on where he sees Zimbabwe and football going.
“I have played with so many different players in the national team and I tell you Zimbabwe has so much talent. The future looks really bright and I am sure we have a big chance to qualify for all the big competitions in the near future. And being part of the national team is such an honour for me because there are a lot of good players out there who could play ahead of me,” he said.
Kadewere comes from a football family with his brothers Prosper, Prince, Gerald and Pardon having all played the game.
And, their father was the brains behind the famed Highfield Football Academy.
