James Matola set for Zimbabwe football return

FORMER Warriors defender James "Van Damme" Matola who has been in Zimbabwe for the past three months is considering finishing off his career in the local league on a six month contract.

The former Dynamos, Free State Stars and Supersport United defender, who turned 36 nine days ago, said the decision was not influenced by monetary gain but "to finish it off where it all started".

"I haven't decided which team to join, but will certainly join one when the transfer window opens in July," said Matola.

Matola said he would only play for the remainder of the season before hanging up his boots.

Matola, however, said he does not want to venture into coaching immediately after his retirement from the game.

Matola, a member of the team that represented Zimbabwe at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals, had been playing for Namibia's Division One side Monotronics FC, as a player coach until three months ago.

He signed a short contract with the club last year after turning out for Batau FC in South Africa.

Matola started his career with Circle United, moved to Dynamos in 2002, left Dembare in acrimonious circumstances to join the now defunct Buymore FC.