Mapeza unhappy with Musona and Karuru return to SA

By Joe Crann

Former Zimbabwe head coach, Norman Mapeza, has voiced his concern at Knowledge Musona and Ovidy Karuru’s decision to return from Europe.

Musona, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation with his German side, Hoffenheim, is being linked with a return to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the new season, while his compatriot, Ovidy Karuru, is believed to be on the verge of finalising his move to Naturena.

While Chiefs fans will be hoping that the club do snap up the Zimbabwean duo, their former coach is less than pleased at their decision not to stick it out in Europe, even in one of the lower leagues.

Speaking to IndependentSport, Mapeza said, “I have my own views about these two players’ moves but at the end of the day it is what they want that counts and people see things differently.

“I do not think that when you get a chance to go to Europe and you come from a country like Zimbabwe, where we do not qualify for major continental tournaments, you can afford to come back and play in South Africa hoping to go back to Europe one day.

“I think both Musona and Karuru should not have come back, they should have stayed there and worked hard. It’s better to play in lower leagues while in Europe and work hard; chances will present themselves and you will find yourself at the top again. I do not know who is advising these players but I think they are being misled because at the ages of 24-25 years old I do not see why such talented players should come back to Africa after breaking into Europe.”

Siya sources have revealed that Karuru has already agreed to join the Amakhosi, though there has been no confirmation by the club, while Musona’s future remains unclear. Soccer Laduma