FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera has highlighted how former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United forward Terrence Dzvukamanja has been an inspiration for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debutants since joining from Scottland FC.

Dzvukamanja joined FC Hunters on a permanent deal after being deemed surplus to requirements at Scottland FC under Norman Mapeza in July. At Scottland, he found himself reduced to a benchwarmer as he struggled for game time, with Khama Billiat, Walter Musona and Knowledge Musona preferred as the team’s forwards.

What further pushed Dzvukamanja out of favour was the arrival of players such as Seth Patrick from England low tier side Northwood FC, Cameroonian Neville Mbanwei Tengeg and Brazilian import Anderson Cardoso de Campos, who were signed during the latest transfer window. That intensified competition and left no room for him.

COACH SPEAKS ON TERRENCE DZVUKAMANJA’S IMPACT AT FC HUNTERS

However, Dzvukamanja swiftly moved to join FC Hunters after severing ties with the defending champions. When he arrived at FC Hunters, they were in dire straits and facing the possibility of relegation.

His arrival helped the team turn a corner, with coach Saruchera revealing that his presence brought an instant impact to the young players, providing leadership alongside Ronald Pfumbidzai, formerly of Betway Premiership clubs SuperSport United [now Siwelele FC] and Chippa United.

Dzvukamanja has underlined his value with three goals in his last four matches. He scored in their 3-2 win over TelOne FC on Saturday, a result that moved FC Hunters to safety with 37 points from 31 games. They sit on 12th position.

In addition, they are in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup semi-finals where they will face Hardrock FC. They are also set to face FC Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals.

‘WE NEED MORE PLAYERS LIKE HIM’ SAYS FC HUNTERS COACH

Speaking to FARPost, FC Hunters coach Saruchera was full of praise for the former Orlando Pirates winger. He said: “We need more players like him from top leagues like South Africa. Most of our players are Under-23s and they look up to guys like Terrence Dzvukamanja who have seen it all beyond our borders.

“You don’t just play for Orlando Pirates without something special about you, and that is the case with him. His humility has helped him gel well with the youngsters and he has been inspirational in helping them realise their potential and start believing.

“His arrival has brought natural leadership alongside Ronald Pfumbidzai and has given us confidence when we needed wins to survive. We hope that same inspiration continues as we push in the Munhumutapa Cup and Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals where we want to be surprise packages.”