11 years later, Peter Ndlovu remains Zimbabwe’s greatest footballer 

Eleven years after retiring from international football Peter Ndlovu remains etched as Zimbabwe’s greatest footballer in history.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker hung his boots in 2011 after a 23-year-long career that he began as a 16-year-old at Highlanders.

Ndlovu had a very productive time during his time at the Bulawayo side before Coventry signed him in 1991.

Joining the England outfit all but helped him rise to fame while it also earned him respect in Africa.

A RECORD MAKER

At 18, Ndlovu broke into Coventry’s first team, where he spent an illustrious six years as a top-performing striker and fan favourite.

He later played for Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, and Sheffield United before returning to Africa, where he featured for Thanda Royal Zulu, Mamelodi Sundowns, Highfield United and Black Mambas.

But it is his contribution and loyalty to the national team that made him a cut above the rest.

Nsukuzonke, as he was fondly known, was part of the Zimbabwean Dream Team that had the likes of former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and ex-Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza among others.

For the Warriors, he remains the most capped player with 100 caps and a staggering 38 goals in all competitions.

Only former Kaizer Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona is the nearest with 24 goals.

Even former Zimbabwe national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa acknowledges that Ndlovu was a rare breed and cut above the rest in Zimbabwe.

“Knowledge Musona was good, but Peter was a rare breed. He was exceptional in so many ways. He led, he delivered, and he was very loyal to the country’s badge. 

“It was amazing to deal with such a player who was almost as good as a call away when it came to national duty. For me, he remains the best that I coached, and the records speak for themselves.

“I’m proud to say his performance opened doors for many of our local players to be accepted beyond our borders, especially in South Africa,” the veteran coach said.

In 2004, the 49-year-old became the first captain to lead the Warriors to the Africa Cup of Nations finals under the mentorship of Chidzambwa.

That year Tunisia hosted the prestigious continental tournament.

The main highlight of his career was becoming the first African footballer to play in the re-branded English Premier League.

And his hat-trick against giants Liverpool during the 1994/95 season still standouts in memory as he became the first visiting player to notch a hat-trick after 30 years at Anfield stadium.

In Zimbabwe, some quarters have adjudged the late former Dynamos striker George Shaya as the best Zimbabwean footballer.

But Ndlovu’s records and achievements beyond the country’s borders make him the shining beacon.