By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe international Tawanda Maswanhise announced his arrival at Scottish Premiership Motherwell in style with an extra-time assist to ensure his new club progressed to the quarterfinals of the Scottish League Cup.
Maswanhise teed up Nigerian forward Moses Ebiye six minutes into extra time for the goal that proved decisive as Motherwell edged past Kilmarnock and into the quarter-finals, where they will host Dundee United.
The 21-year-old winger was introduced for his debut just before the hour mark and immediately made an impact.
He gave Motherwell a different dimension, asking questions of the Kilmarnock defence with his pace and ability to take on defenders.
Maswanhise had earlier vowed to make an impact after his move to Motherwell which was confirmed barely hours before his debut.
The England-born rising star has signed on a short-term deal till January, with the club holding an option to extend that further.
A product of the Leicester City youth academy, Maswanhise developed through the ranks with the Foxes before cementing himself as a ‘shining light’ in the club’s Premier League 2 Division 1 squad.
The forward made seven Under 18 appearances throughout his breakthrough season in 2019/20, before making his development squad debut against West Ham United in 2021. The youngster soon made the bench for the senior side two months later against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“Tawanda has been on trial for a couple of weeks now,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said
“We have been impressed with his endeavour every time he has taken to the training pitch. He took part in the bounce match against Everton last week and once again, he looked good.
“He offers something a bit different for us. He’s quick, direct and likes to find the back of the net. There’s lots of potential with Tawanda and hopefully we can get the best out of him.”
Goals continued to follow Maswanhise in the club’s development side, netting 22-times across 61-appearances in Premier league 2. The 21-year-old’s performances were rewarded when he made his senior debut as a second-half substitute against Millwall in a 3-2 victory during the third round of the FA cup under manager Enzo Maresca.
Capable of playing centrally or as a winger, Maswanhise netted a hat-trick as a trialist for English league Two outfit Stockport County after departing the foxes this summer. The Zimbabwean international, capped three-times by his country, will now join Stuart Kettlewell’s side until January.
“I’m just buzzing to be in this position,” Maswanhise added.
“This summer has been about hard work and getting my head down. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to show people what I can do and now I’ve got one.
“I feel good and feel ready to make an impact.”
Maswanhise will wear the number 55 shirt.