Best of the Best- Godfrey Paradza

Godfrey Paradza doubled as defender and defensive midfielder for Harare giants, Dynamos, who dominated local league and cup action in the 1980s to early 90s. He starred with the likes of Francis Shonhai, Angirai Chapo, Henry Chari and midfield work-hose, Memory Mucherawowa. Paradza also did his part with Bulawayo-based Zimbabwe Saints and later, Tornados. He shares with us his Best of the Best.

My Best Ever African Player

It is Kalusha Bwalya, the 1988 African footballer and former Zambian captain, who was consistent and won a number of games single-handedly. We played against him while he was still with the Zambian Under-20 team in the 1983 Cosafa Cup final, which we lost with a solitary goal scored by King Kalulu. He always gave us hard times and that has made me respect him till today.

My Best Defence Partner

In each team I played for, there were players who were very solid, especially when I played as a defender. At Saints, Ephraim Chawanda is still one of the greatest defenders Zimbabwe has ever produced. At Tornados there was John Phiri and at Dynamos, the duo of Francis Shonhai and Kaitano Tembo shone.

My Best Stadium

The National stadium, with its wide ground always gave me pleasure running rings around opponents. The crowd also gave me lasting memories there. It was our own version of England’s Wembley.

My Best Coach

There are a couple of coaches who played a vital role in moulding my career, like Shepherd Murape, Peter Nyama, Mick Pool, Sunday Chidzambgwa and Tendai Chiedza. Each of those played a key role in making me the player I later became.

My Best Game

It was in a 1983 international friendly between Zimbabwe Saints and the then English topflight side, Coventry City. We played with both their Under-20 and senior teams, but I really enjoyed our 4-2 win over them at Barbourfields Stadium, where Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo scored an amazing bicycle kick for us.

My Best Ever Zimbabwean Player

There are a number of them, like Boy Ndlovu, Madinda Ndlovu, Moses Chunga, Peter Ndlovu and the now late Joe Machingura. Those players had amazing skills. They were also consistent and were complete players. Clubs easily filled stadiums because of such players.

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