Kangwa seals 3-year deal with Anzam FC

ZIMBABWE international Bruce Kangwa finally sealed a three-year deal to join Tanzanian moneybags Anzam FC with the utility player saying he wants to make the most of his new adventure outside the country.

Kangwa, who has been in Tanzania for the past two weeks, has done enough to impress the club's new Spanish mentor Zeben Hernandez.

Speaking from Dar-es-Salaam yesterday, the 28-year-old former Highlanders utility player said he was happy with the deal, which will see him in East Africa until 2019.

"I am happy finally I have signed the contract. I believe it's a good move for me and my wish is to make an impact here and probably grow my career to another level.

"I think I am ready for more challenges and hopefully, this move will open the doors to even better things," said Kangwa.

The Zimbabwe international has been with Highlanders since 2009 and the breakthrough came when he needed it most following a bright start in the Castle Lager Premiership which saw him winning a hat-trick of awards for the player of the month for April, May and June.

Kangwa has been the mainstay at Highlanders this season and it appears his departure could have an effect on Bosso's title campaign after the club lost their last two matches in succession.

They have also failed to score.

"I had to leave. But I believe Highlanders have a good team, they have done well this year and I wish them well in the remaining matches of the season," said Kangwa.

His manager, George Deda, was elated by the developments.

Deda said talks are still underway for another Zimbabwean Abbas Amidu who has also been undergoing trials at the club and a deal could be sealed as early as today.

Deda left Tanzania yesterday for Sudan to finalise another deal for Triangle winger Malvin Gaki. The former Warriors player was supposed to fly out to Khartoum last week for trials, but his club has been frustrating his move.

Azam, who were established in 2007, have grown to become one of the three big teams in Tanzania alongside Simba SC and Young Africans.

They have their own stadium, training ground, apartments and they brand the Azam Energy Drink, Azam Chips, Azam Ice Cream, Azam Mineral Water, Azam Biscuits, Azam Milk, Azam Fruit Juice, Azam Cola, Azam Soda, Azam Tomato Paste, Azam Cream Soda, Azam Malt, Azam Flour, Azam Bread, Azam Milk among a number of products.

They are backed by the Bakhresa Group of Companies.

"Bruce is happy with the deal, his wife is happy, Azam and Highlanders are also happy with the deal. Personally I am very happy to have concluded my biggest transfer in Tanzania inside two months," said Deda.

"Tanzania is fast emerging as one of the biggest markets in African football in terms of rewards for players.

"Tanzanian clubs are recruiting from all over the continent and they are hiring highly qualified coaches from Europe. Azam have a Spanish coach and about nine other Spanish professionals as the backroom staff.

"But for Bruce it's not about him getting the big wages, but it's also an opportunity for him to showcase his talent in another league.

"This boy is playing his best football and he needed this breakthrough. It's also looking good for Amidu. He has been doing well, but we are still waiting to hear from the club."

Azam, winners of the Tanzanian league title in 2013-2014 season, have been enjoying phenomenal rise since their promotion to top-flight football in 2008.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo City assistant coach Farai Mujokoro and kit manager, Gift Mvala, appeared at the Beitbridge magistrate court yesterday following their arrest in a case of alleged match-fixing.

They are accused of trying to bribe the Border Strikers goal-minder with $300 to manipulate the last league match against Bulawayo City.

The Bulawayo club have suspended their entire technical team, including head coach Philani "Beefy" Ncube, in the wake of the scandal.

According to text trail between Mujokoro and the 'keeper, the money was to be collected by the latter's sister from Mvala who walked into a trap just before kick-off.

The two, who are being charged with bribery, will appear before the same court for trial on August 19. Mujokoro handed himself to Beitbridge police on Thursday while Mvala was arrested on Wednesday.

Bulawayo City's vice chairman, Zenzo Moyo, has called on the police to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

"As a team we don't tolerate match-fixing. Football should be the winner and the responsible authorities should conduct investigations. We are yet to get full details around the matter," he said.