THERE were mixed fortunes for Zimbabwe internationals across the globe as domestic football returned after the 10-day FIFA break for national teams.
There were big wins for Tendayi Darikwa and Knox Mutizwa while Terrence Dzvukamanja, Ronald Pfumbidzayi and Onismor Bhasera featured in a heavy defeat for their side.
Tino Kadewere watched the action from the bench.
l Big win for Darikwa
Zimbabwe international defender, Tendayi Darikwa was yellow carded but lasted the distance as his Cypriot First Division side and log leaders Apollon thumped hosts AEZ 5-0 late on Sunday.
Unbeaten Apollon have won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches and Darikwa has featured in all the matches, lasting the distance in seven of them to take his minutes on the field to 711 out of 720.
Darikwa has one goal to his credit, an equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Apoel in a Week 4 fixture on September 17.
l Tino unused, Lyon slump to bottom
Tino Kadewere sat out the match as seven-time French champions Olympique Lyon lost 1-2 at home to Clermont, who went into match bottom of the league and winless.
Lyon now have the unwanted record of being the ONLY team without a win in Ligue 1, after nine matches — three draws and six defeats.
Tino has taken part in four Ligue 1 matches in 2023/2024 overall and accumulated 125 minutes of playing time.
The last league game Kadewere played came on October 1 for Lyon against Marshall Munetsi’s Stade de Reims; a game that he played 22 minutes in a 2-0 loss.
l DZVUKAMANJA SCORES IN HEAVY DEFEAT
Zimbabwe international striker Terrence Dzvukamanja scored an 88th minute consolation as SuperSport United suffered a 1-4 defeat in the opening round of the South African Carling Knockout Cup.
Dzvukamanja replaced Etiosa Ighodaro at the start of the second half and created anxious moments in the Polokwane goal area.
In the 87th minute, Dzvukamanja’s header from the centre of the box was saved by the goalkeeper but the former Orlando Pirates hitman could not be denied a minute later, finding the top right corner with a left footed shot from outside the box.
Ronald Pfumbidzai lasted the distance and had an effort saved in the 60th minute.
Onismor Bhasera was introduced in the 46th minute and yellow carded in the 60th minute for a bad foul.
l MUTIZWA SEALS ARROWS’ SCORING
Mutizwa found the target on his return to South African Premiership side, Golden Arrows, after reporting for national duty in Harare the previous week.
Arrows won 3-1.