Former Kaizer Chiefs forward-turned-agent Matthew Rusike has brokered Zambian midfielder Emmanuel Banda’s transfer from Swedish side, Djurgardens to HNK Rijeka in Croatia.
Matthew Rusike, who is part of BHM Sports Management based in Sweden, has confirmed Banda’s switch to the top Croatian club.
“Happy to have concluded Zambian International 🇿🇲 @e_banda_12 to @NKRijeka in the Croatian top-flight,” the former Chiefs man tweeted.
EMMANUEL BANDA’S BITTER-SWEET DEPARTURE FROM SWEDEN
Banda said it was a bitter-sweet experience leaving Djurgardens after three seasons.
“I would love to announce to you all that after three seasons, my stay at Djurgardens has come to an end,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“…I would like to thank you all for your unwavering support, and I would like to thank Djurgardens for the time I spent with the team. Stockholm was and will forever be my home.”
Banda delivered nine goals and five assists in the Allsvenskan, despite only starting 17 of the 57 games.
Djurgardens Sports Director, Bosse Andersson, hailed Banda’s loyalty to the club.
“Banda has been a very valued player who has accounted for many important points for us and has always been loyal to the team, even if at times there was less playing time,” Andersson told the club’s website.
“But despite that, he has kept his spirits up with his fantastic personality.”
EX-CHIEFS FORWARD’S BIG-NAME CLIENT RAFINHA
The Chipolopolo player’s transfer has become possible because of Matthew Rusike, who hit the headlines recently when he facilitated Brazilian Rafinha’s switch from PSG to Qatar’s Al Arabi FC.
Rusike has found his feet in player management after a premature end to his playing career due to injuries.
Rusike started his career with Charlton Athletics FC in England before returning home to sign for Monomotapa FC.
Rusike went on to play for PSL clubs such as the University of Pretoria and Jomo Cosmos.
He won the Ezenkosi Player of the Year 2011/12 Award before signing for Chiefs in 2012.
Rusike spent three seasons at Chiefs, then had a stint with Cape Town City.
The now-retired striker played for Club Africain in Tunisia and Helsingborgs IF in Sweden.
The eight-time capped Warriors forward last played for Stabaek FC in Norway two years ago.
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