Veterans Zakazaka, Nyirenda join Tigers
Veteran strikers Jimmy Zakazaka and Victor Nyirenda have joined TNM Super League side Azam Tigers ahead of the 2018 season.
Both players and Tigers’ technical director Robin Alufandika confirmed the development yesterday.
“It is indeed true that I have joined Tigers. Although I am yet to sign a contract, it feels great to be back at a club where I started my soccer career. I am ready to be an important part of the club,” said Zakazaka, who played for Nyasa Big Bullets last season.
On his part, Nyirenda, who featured for Blue Eagles last season, said he is happy that he has been welcomed at Tigers and he hopes for a wonderful stay at the club.
The two old guards, alongside former PremierBet Wizard player Blessings Phiri, featured for Tigers in Sunday’s friendly match against Bullets at Mulanje Park which Bullets won 2-0.
Alufandika described the coming in of the two experienced players as a big boost to his youthful squad.
“We believe it is important to have these senior players to inspire the up-and-coming stars in our fold. Zakazaka and Nyirenda have played football at a higher level in foreign leagues and their experience would be useful to us in the next season,” he said.
Zakazaka played for Tigers in 2003 before joining Bullets in 2004. Between 2005 and 2013 he had stints with South African clubs Free State Stars, Bay United, African Wanderers, Thanda Royal Zulu and FC Cape Town.
As for Nyirenda, he started his career at the now-defunct Escom United in 2005 before jumping ship to Be Forward Wanderers in 2006. In 2010, he joined APR FC of Rwanda for a three-year spell before playing for Vietnamese club Berjaya Dong Nai in 2013.
The two were part of the Flames squad which qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations after 26 years.
