Shandirwa earns stripes in derby
THE Man of the Match award for Sunday’s Harare Derby was always going to be a painstaking choice between two Dynamos diminutive midfield live-wires Tanaka Shandirwa and Donald Mudadi.
In the end, the selectors only had to settle for one — Mudadi.
The former Black Rhinos and ex-Harare City man, who capped a brilliant afternoon for DeMbare against their bitter rivals United with a goal and an CAPS assist in the 2-0 win, was a credible choice.
But it will be difficult to ignore the shift put in by the tint-haired Glamour Boy wearing jersey number 44.
The young midfielder, who reminded many DeMbare fans of some of their yesteryear players that thrived in that position, the likes of Justice Majabvi and Stephen Alimenda, was so good for the big stage on Sunday that he earned the endorsement of some of the club legends.
Shandirwa won many admirers and set the social media ablaze, with both Dynamos and United faithful expressing CAPS their appreciation. Former DeMbare captain Majabvi also lavished praises on the midfielder.
“Don’t worry about the face and the armband, this is jersey number 44 for Dynamos, the guy dominated the midfield,” Majabvi twitted in a post that attracted more than 20 000 views and garnered a lot of responses.
“Spot on, I see more of you in him,” another former DeMbare star Norman Maroto concurred, in response to Majabvi’s tweet.
" The aggression, the vision and the heart He has the engine and his energy,”
At only 23 years of age, Shandirwa made a mockery of his experienced opponents as he bossed the midfield with aplomb. He played with a big heart and had the confidence to take matters into his hands in a midfield that also featured some tried and tested players like Devon Chafa, Godknows Murwira and Rodwell Chinyengetere for United. CAPS
“I am happy people are recognising my effort and they keep encouraging me to do well,” said Shandirwa.
"So this helps not only me but the whole team and make Dynamos’ game thrive. “It’s been the wish of my life to come to the level that I also get to play in the Harare Derby. God has made this dream come to reality and I am happy,” said Shandirwa.
Shandirwa arrived at Dynamos virtually unknown. He only made his debut in the topflight league last season with Yadah.
But he does not consider himself inferior. He has been a major driving force behind Dynamos’ rebuilding efforts and has been one of the most consistent players in Herbert Maruwa’s side.
But before the Derby, Dynamos had not won in their previous three league games. Shandirwa believes the team is still work in progress following the squad overhaul during preseason.
“Of course the results eluded us. Most of us have just joined a big team and sometimes things don’t go as per plan.
"But it’s a phase that eventually passes. We aim to gradually continue working until we reach our full potential.
“But this win took away the pressure. We need to try and maintain the winning momentum,” said Shandirwa.
The midfielder, who draws inspiration from Frenchman NG’olo Kante, aims to make a name at DeMbare and also play overseas. He explained how he got his nickname “Kante.”
“People say that the energy that I possess, my box-to-box abilities and my stature resembles that of Kante. So they gave me that nickname.
"My wish is to play overseas and I look up to Kante for inspiration. I hope to reach the same levels as his,” said Shandirwa.
“I always strive to work hard. After finishing our team training I always go home to do extras. This always motivates me to go the extra mile.”