Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS midfielder, Tanaka ‘Kante’ Shandirwa, says his absence from the match against Highlanders at Barbourfields on Sunday was due to his daughter’s health.
Shandirwa, who faced claims he wanted to force a return to Yadah, only trained once ahead of the blockbuster match and did not travel with the team.
The 24-year-old reported for duty yesterday when the Glamour Boys regrouped ahead of their fixture against Hwange at Barbourfields on Saturday.
Shandirwa told Zimpapers Sport he was overwhelmed by his daughter’s situation and he regrets not being part of the team that travelled to Barbourfields.
He is on loan from Yadah and there had been speculation he wanted to return to the Miracle Boys without playing for Dynamos this season.
“Everyone, who knows me, knows how much I love playing football and I will never relax at home especially when I have a chance to showcase my talent against Highlanders.
“My daughter was not feeling well, her condition was critical. My wife was terrified with the situation and I saw it wise to ask to be excused by the club.
“I was never going to concentrate knowing what my family was going through and the situation was just unbearable.
“I’m now a relieved man because she has fully recovered,” said Shandirwa.
He added:
“I last visited Yadah when Prophet Magaya invited me for counselling, he made me the person I am today and I will be forever grateful.
“I never trained with any club last week and Dynamos is the only thing on my mind at the moment and I believe DeMbare is the best platform for me.
“I was disappointed with the result just like anyone who is associated with the club and I can’t wait to help the team if I get the chance to play in our next assignment,” he said.
Dynamos bullied opponents last season with their midfield trio of Shandirwa, Donald Mudadi and Junior Makunike.
Makunike has since joined Simba Bhora and Dynamos signed Temptation Chiwunga as his direct replacement.