Former Ajax star gets new responsibility in Saudi Arabia

Former Ajax Cape Town and Venda Football Academy defensive midfielder Gerald Takwara has a new responsibility in Saudi Arabia.

The Zimbabwe international, who spent two seasons at Ajax, is soaring high in the Saudi First Division. He turns out for Ohod Al-MeIn July, thea.

The 27-year-old moved to Saudi A July after parting ways with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda Football Academy.

Takwara has been exceptional in the Middle East country. So much so that Ohod Al-Medina head coach Emmanuel Ugbo has installed him as their reliable penalty taker.

“I earned the responsibility of taking penalties. I’ve tried to be clinical in those circumstances and I hope to retain the task in the future,” Takwara told FARPost.

The former FC Platinum has established himself as a regular in the team. He has featured in all seven mso far, with two goals to his name.

Takwara, who can operate as a centre-back, is hoping to help the team gain promotion to the elite league.

“So far, my stay has been good. I can’t complain. Saudi Arabia is a good country. Also, this league is very competitive than I expected. Everyone fights hard for recognition. I’m hopeful that we will achieve the club’s objectives.

“It’s fight after fight. But I want to be thankful to everyone because, after these starting games, I’m settling well at the club. Of course, the communication part because of language has not been easy. However, we try our best to make everything work,” he added. 

‘The General’, as Takwara is affectionately known, has been more of a nomad since parting ways with Ajax Cape Town.

After an unsuccessful stint with the Urban Warriors, he surfaced at Ngezi Platinum in July 2019. His stay at the ambitious club was overshadowed by Covid-19, which halted football for almost a year.

When football activities finally resumed, Takwara was a shining beacon for Ngezi Platinum. He helped them ls of the 2021 Chibuku Super Cup finals.

They agonisingly lost to FC Platinum on penalties, but Takwara and ex-Bidvest midfielder Denver Mukamba were the most exceptional players.

In August 2021, he switched to Venda Football Academy. After a brief spell, joined the Saudi Arabian outfit Ohod Al-Medina.