Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN striker Terrence Dzukamanja made a strong case for inclusion in the final Warriors squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, despite being denied a brace against Cameroon due to a questionable offside decision.
Dzukamanja scored a fine goal in the 73rd minute, beating Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, but the match ultimately ended in a 2-1 loss to the Indomitable Lions.
The Warriors had fallen behind to two first-half goals from Vincent Aboubakar and George-Kevin N’Koudou.
The 29-year-old striker, who plays for SuperSport United in South Africa, has been in impressive form this season. Dzukamanja, born on 5 May 1994 made a name for himself in the South African football scene.
The younger brother of former Douglas Warriors and Dynamos Football Club striker Admire Dzvukamanja, Terrence has carved out his own path to success. Dzukamanja began his professional career in Zimbabwe, playing for Ngezi Platinum FC in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League from 2016 to 2018.
His impressive performances caught the attention of South African clubs, and he soon moved to Bidvest Wits FC in August 2018.
After two seasons with Bidvest Wits, Dzukamanja joined Orlando Pirates FC on a three-year contract in September 2020. Although he struggled to find the back of the net in the 2021/22 season, making 25 appearances without scoring, he refocused his efforts and went on to feature in 16 games under coach Jose Riveiro, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
Dzukamanja’s overall statistics with Orlando Pirates are impressive, with 76 appearances, 17 goals, and three assists. His final season with the Buccaneers was particularly notable, as he netted eight goals in 19 appearances, including the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United in May 2023. In July 2023, Dzukamanja joined SuperSport United FC for an undisclosed transfer fee from Orlando Pirates.
The length of his contract with the club has not been disclosed. Dzukamanja was nominated for the 2020 Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award, alongside Motjeka Madisha of Mamelodi Sundowns and Victor Letsoalo of Bloemfontein Celtic.
Dzukamanja’s performance against Cameroon has sparked hopes that he will be included in the final Warriors squad for the Afcon finals. Zimbabwe finished second in Group J, behind unbeaten Cameroon, and qualified for the tournament alongside six other Cosafa region teams.
The Warriors will be looking to progress past the group stage for the first time in their Afcon history. With Dzukamanja’s form and experience, he could play a key role in achieving that goal.
Zimbabwe opened their qualifying campaign with two successive 0-0 draws against Kenya and Cameroon in Uganda in September. They then secured back-to-back wins against Namibia in Johannesburg in October, before drawing their final match to confirm their spot in the finals. Luton Town midfielder Nakamba has joined a select group of captains who have led the Warriors to the Afcon finals, including legendary players Peter Ndlovu, Willard Katsande and Knowledge Musona.
With the Afcon finals just around the corner, Zimbabwean football fans will be eagerly awaiting the final squad announcement to see if Dzukamanja will be included.
