By Zim Sport Live Writer
Scottish Premiership side Motherwell FC have been warned they may struggle to keep hold of Zimbabwe international Tawanda Maswanhise following his impressive performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 23-year-old forward has been one of Zimbabwe’s standout players at the tournament in Morocco, and his form has reportedly put several European clubs on alert.
Speaking on the BBC Scottish Football Podcast, former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan said Maswanhise’s performances for the Zimbabwe Warriors make a January transfer increasingly likely.
“They’ll genuinely be lucky to keep a hold of him,” Sheridan said.
“The start he’s had, the goals he’s scored and he’s continuing to do it at international level in a big tournament. It’ll be interesting if they can hold on to him in January.”
Sheridan added that a move outside Scotland now looks probable.
“My guess would be that it would be a club outside Scotland. The fact he’s doing it at a major tournament will alert bigger clubs in different leagues.”
Maswanhise caught the attention of football fans across the continent when he scored a sensational goal in Zimbabwe’s 3-2 loss to South Africa in a Group B match on Monday.
The towering forward sliced through the Bafana Bafana defence before firing past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, cancelling out Divine Lunga’s earlier opener.
The goal has been widely described as a contender for goal of the tournament.
It was a rare start for Maswanhise at AFCON, but he made it count with a moment of individual brilliance.
Maswanhise’s international displays have built on his excellent club form with Motherwell. The striker has scored 12 goals this season for the Fir Park outfit, making him the club’s leading league scorer.
His consistency in front of goal has already made him one of the most talked-about Zimbabwean footballers playing in Europe.
Following Zimbabwe’s elimination from AFCON, Maswanhise has returned to Scotland and is available for selection ahead of Motherwell’s William Hill Premiership clash against St Mirren on Saturday.
“Tawanda Maswanhise has returned to Scotland following Zimbabwe’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, with Motherwell’s top scorer eligible for selection once again,” the club confirmed in a statement.
While Motherwell welcome back their star striker, speculation continues to grow that the Warriors forward may not remain in Scotland for much longer if his rise continues.