By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe international Tivonge Rushesha put on a solid display for English League One side Reading during their 3-1 defeat to Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Royals pushed Championship Burnley all the way in the FA Cup Third Round, with Clarets star Zian Flemming coming off the bench to score twice and win the tie in extra time.
Rushesha, who was making his irst start in two months was one of the top performers for Reading as he imposed himself in midfield, making crucial passes, intelligent runs and timely interceptions.
Reading boss Noel Hunt was delighted with his team’s display despite the loss.
“I’m very proud of the lads, pushing a top Championship side with loads of quality and international experience,” Hunt told the media.
“Some of them have more international experience than we have league appearances. We took a top team all the way to extra time, and I think tired legs got us in the end. We have a lot of boys coming back from long-term injury and fighting illness, which we tried to keep quiet, but I’m proud of some of our performances.
“It took us a little bit of time to believe that we could go toe-to-toe. We got a fortunate break where we could speak to them for a few seconds and tell them where we could jump in a little bit more aggressively and make it more our game. The boys took it to them well, so I’m really pleased in how we controlled spells of the game. The discipline to hold the pockets, our full backs not being fully fit, I’m really happy.’
Rushesha, 22, joined Reading on an initial one-year contract, with an option for a year extension, after being heavily involved in Reading’s preparations ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season.
Capped at age-group level for Wales, Rushesha has opted to represent Zimbabwe at senior level but is yet to make his Warriors debut despite being called up for national duty on a couple of occasions.