CHENGETAI NYAMUSHONYONGORA
Uyo, Nigeria – Zimbabwe’s 2-2 draw against Benin in Durban on Thursday was a testament to their resilience. From two goals down, they fought back and came agonisingly close to sealing a 3-2 victory. The performance, though encouraging, exposed gaps in the squad, and as they prepare to face Nigeria, Michael Nees has decisions to make—none more intriguing than whether to use Andy Rinomhota at right-back.
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| Andy Rinomhota [Image: ZIFA] |
At Cardiff City, Rinomhota’s transformation from central midfielder to right-back has been one of the season’s most unexpected success stories. Pushed to the fringes under previous manager Erol Bulut, he has not only forced his way back into the team but made the right-back position his own, displacing Perry Ng, Cardiff’s Player of the Season for the past two years. His defensive intelligence, ability to progress the ball, and composure under pressure have made him indispensable. Now, with Zimbabwe searching for balance, Nees could look to capitalise on his club form.
Emmanuel Jalai put in a shift at right-back in the match against Benin, showing commitment and energy down the flank. However, his lack of senior-level experience and slight physique could be a concern against Nigeria’s attacking firepower. Facing players like Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze presents a different level of challenge, one that demands both physicality and tactical discipline. Against such high-calibre opponents, Rinomhota’s defensive awareness and experience in a competitive league might make him the safer option.
The midfield, however, presents its own complications. The absence of Marvelous Nakamba leaves a void in the holding role. Tawanda Chirewa and Marshall Munetsi are options, though Munetsi’s recent goal-scoring form raises questions about whether he should be shackled in a deep role. Mtokozisi Msebe, now playing at Scottland FC, is another possibility, though concerns over match fitness linger. With the league in Zimbabwe only just restarting, Nees has insisted Scottland FC and Simba Bhora players are in good shape after an intensive pre-season, but whether that translates into immediate impact remains uncertain.
Given the circumstances, Rinomhota’s presence at right-back could offer a natural solution. His positional awareness, defensive work rate, and ability to support attacks without neglecting his responsibilities at the back make him an appealing option. Having played in midfield for most of his career, he possesses the technical qualities to retain possession and progress play under pressure—traits that could prove vital against a Nigerian side known for its attacking prowess.
There is precedent for midfielders excelling at full-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from midfield to right-back at Liverpool has been well-documented, while Philipp Lahm’s ability to seamlessly switch between defence and midfield made him one of the most tactically intelligent players of his generation. Rinomhota, while not yet in the same class, has adapted impressively to his new role, and it is no surprise that Cardiff have looked more stable with him in the side. When asked by the BBC about this postions switch and comparison with Philipp Lahm’s switch he laughed modestly and said, “Going from midfield to right-back, in midfield you always have to be checking your shoulder because everything can be happening all around you, whereas at right-back almost everything is in front of you,”
“So it’s a little bit easier in that sense, then the awareness you’ve already got from midfield helps. You know what to expect from all other areas because midfielders cover a lot, so I think that has helped.” says Rinomhota.
“And being a more defensive midfielder, those defensive capabilities have shone through. I have better games against better teams with better wingers because that’s when I have to be up against them in one-v-ones, so that’s more when I actually stand out.”
With Nigeria’s attacking threats in mind, Nees must weigh his options carefully. Playing Rinomhota at right-back allows Zimbabwe to field a balanced midfield while ensuring defensive solidity on the flank. His club form suggests he is ready, and if he can translate that into the international stage, it could prove a shrewd tactical adjustment. In a match where fine margins will matter, Rinomhota’s presence at right-back might just give Zimbabwe the edge they need.
This article was first published on Soak Bench.
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