Mandiranga enjoys stint in Mozambique
MOZAMBIQUE-BASED Zimbabwean forward Emmanuel Mandiranga is riding high after recovering from a long-term injury that kept him out for close to two months.
The UD Songo striker missed the first four matches of the current Mozambique Premiership term after twisting his knee.
He is now back and showing his eagerness to get all that he could have lost while on the treatment table after scoring five goals in his first five games including two in as many cup matches. The ex-Harare City, CAPS United, and Dynamos winger grabbed UD Songo’s winner in their 1-0 victory at Brera on Sunday, a victory that took their points tally to 21 and five behind leaders Black Bulls.
His team now sit third on the log with perennial campaigners Costa do Sol, who have 23 points sitting in second place.
“I am very happy as a player to regularly get goals for my team. It’s what I was signed for and getting to score is something that makes the whole process enjoyable,” said Mandiranga.
“Coming from injury and then getting down to business in such a manner is very motivating. You know what injuries do.
“They make you feel uncomfortable especially in the opening stages after coming back.
“But I was psyched up and things got in place and I am enjoying everything again.
“I have scored three goals in the league and have got two cup goals. I am happy to be surrounded by very supportive quality players.”
Mandiranga says he is helped hugely by the presence of familiar faces in the technical dugout.
The team is under the stewardship of former Harare City coaches Mark Harrison and Mark Mathe.
Mathe, who has journeyed much in local football is Harrison’s assistant.
Although he hasn’t been able to work under either coach while playing locally, Mandiranga said Harrison and Mathe make it very comfortable for him to express himself on the field of play.
“I have known both (Harrison and Mathe) for a long time since our days in the local Zimbabwean Premiership.
“We didn’t get to work together but we always talked back then. They would even advise me to try different tactics as a forward and it’s a joy to have reunited with them in Mozambique,” added Mandiranga.
“Their presence ticks me on and I should say, I am really happy to play under them.
“They are a huge factor in my newly-found form and I ought to make them proud.
“My dream is to be recorded as one of the most prolific scorers here and possibly be called up to represent my national team.”
Mandiranga is not without a Zimbabwean company on the field of play.
Former Dynamos teammate Tinotenda Muringai is also plying his trade at the highly-regarded Mozambican team but he is currently sidelined by an injury.