By OnSport Reporter
When Zimbabwe took on Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, yesterday for the Warriors’ first match, one name stood out, the ginger-haired Daniel Msendami, who was a constant thorn in the flesh for the Pharaohs of Egypt.
As Msendami shone, thousands of kilometres away in the streets of Bulawayo, another youth prospect remained behind, one who, together with Msendami, illuminated the scene in their youth. That name is Archiford Faira.
The talented left-footed footballer is currently on the books of Highlanders. He has struggled with injuries, but in the matches he has played, many have noticed the rare breed Faira is: a technically gifted player who can do anything with the ball, from dribbling to shooting, you name it.
The sharp contrast in the progress of the two players is glaring. Faira hasn’t reached the dizzy heights he once promised, while Msendami’s career has grown in leaps and bounds. Msendami has become a household name in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, and after yesterday’s match, perhaps even globally.
However, Msendami and Faira started their journey together. Both were outstanding players in the Highlanders Under-18s team in 2017, and Madinda Ndlovu promoted them to the first team alongside Edmore Moyo for the 2018 season.
Due to limited game time, the two players were offloaded to the developmental side Bosso 90 for the remainder of the 2018 season and the 2019 season. After the COVID-19 induced break, Msendami and Faira were sent out on loan, with the former going to Vumbachickwe in the Central Region League and the latter to ZPC Hwange in the Southern Region League.
In 2022 at ZPC, Faira convinced many he was a gem, flourishing in a midfield role. This prompted Joel Luphahla to recall him from loan to rejoin Highlanders. For Msendami, however, the journey was different. He moved to Botswana to join Jwaneng Galaxy, where his journey to stardom began.
From there, Msendami has played in the CAF Champions League, earned several Warriors caps, and won trophies and individual accolades. For Faira, it’s been a quiet ride. When Peter De Jongh took over last season, Faira even lost his place as the favoured left-back after returning from injury.
However, that doesn’t take away the talent Faira possesses. Whatever Msendami can do, Faira can also do, because the two players are equally gifted, a fact they have proved beyond reasonable doubt. Even Zebra Revolution coach Mkhokheli Dube, who worked with Faira during the lockdown period in Sizinda, agrees.
“Faira is a good player. He possesses a cultured left foot and is a joy to watch. He is a player who can build play from the back and move into space intelligently. His other advantage is that he doesn’t lose possession; he can keep it even in tight spaces. Faira is a complete player,” said Dube.
Even though the Warriors lost 2-1 to Egypt, with another Highlanders junior product, Prince Dube, scoring the opener, it was Msendami who won hearts. Yet for those who know Msendami’s journey, they will spare a thought for Faira, who started from the same place but remains one of the most underrated players in the local league.