By Zim Sport Live Writer
Reading manager Leam Richardson believes Zimbabwe international Andy Rinomhota is ready to make a much bigger impact this season after praising the midfielder’s impressive performances during pre-season.
Rinomhota has featured prominently in Reading’s preparations for the new campaign, playing almost 150 minutes across four friendly matches after an injury-hit 2025/26 season restricted him to just three appearances following his return to the club.
Richardson admitted it had been “frustrating” not being able to call on the 29-year-old more often last season but said the midfielder has returned in excellent condition.
“Everything that we knew about him when I worked with him previously,” Richardson told the Reading Chronicle.
“It was really difficult and really frustrating for him, first and foremost, because of last year.
“Obviously, really frustrating for me, because I couldn’t pick him as much as I wanted to, and then he’d kind of come to a point where the season ended.”
Rinomhota rejoined Reading in November on a season-long deal but saw his campaign disrupted by injury and personal circumstances, which also forced him to withdraw from Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations squad in December.
Those setbacks limited him to appearances against Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers and Cardiff City, totalling just over two hours of first-team football.
The midfielder has since committed his future to Reading by signing a new one-year contract and has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers during pre-season.
Richardson believes Rinomhota’s influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch.
“The quality is there and we know how much he loves the club,” he said.
“He’s come back in really good shape, really good mood, really good mind.
“We talk about leaders, and he’s certainly one of them that we need on the pitch.”
For Rinomhota, the new campaign offers the chance to put an injury-disrupted year behind him and re-establish himself as a key figure for both Reading and Zimbabwe.