Former Wigan Athletic skipper Darikwa joins Lincoln City on a one year deal

Former Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa has joined English League One side Lincoln City on a one year deal.

The one time Zimbabwe Warriors right back, signed the deal this past Friday as a free agent.

Lincoln City’s coach Michael Skubala expressed his delight after roping in the 32-year-old who spent last season with Cypriot First Division side Apollon Limassol before he terminated his contract.

“Tendayi is a player of real calibre and a person with exceptional human qualities, which combined will be a real addition to our squad,” said Skubala.

“We needed to look at the position differently and in Tendayi we have identified and recruited someone with different strengths but still the physical attributes a Lincoln City right wing-back requires. He will be a massive influence for us on and off the pitch.”

Commenting after signing for the Imps as Lincoln are nicknamed Darikwa said:

“I’m delighted to be here and have the deal done. The ambition of the football club stood out to me and it’s a club with great values.

“The club was so close to getting in the play-offs last season, and I feel we can build on that. I want to be a part of it, I want to help and hopefully we can do that together.

“I can pass my experiences over the years onto a young squad with plenty of talent. I can have an influence in the dressing room as we learn about each other on and off the pitch.”

Darikwa joined his new teammates for a preseason camp in Spain, and he already feels he is gelling in nicely.

“It’s important for new signings to join the boys on the pre-season trip abroad, it’s bonding time. You start learning about your team-mates and finding out how they are as people and not just footballers.

“I’m delighted to be here, everyone’s really welcomed me with open arms. I knew a couple of the boys before I signed, and all the staff have made me feel really welcome.”