Makudubela names overlooked Yanga star as all-time best teammate

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Mahlatse 'Skudu' Makudubela and Pacome Zouzoua during their time at Yanga

Mahlatse ‘Skudu’ Makudubela has named an often-overlooked star he encountered in Tanzania the best heโ€™s ever shared the dressing room with.

While many recognise the brilliance of Stephane Aziz Ki, the School of Excellence graduate, Makudubela was particularly impressed by another player in the East African nation.

The former Marumo Gallants player spent a season at Young Africans, where he won the Tanzania Premier League title and the FA Cup. Despite limited playing time under coach Miguel Gamondi, Makudubela has consistently praised his experience with Timu ya Wananchi.

When asked about the best player he’s ever shared the field with, Mahlatse Makudubela surprisingly chose a former Yanga teammate, highlighting an exceptional talent that might have flown under the radar.

Pacome Zouzoua of Yanga SC rated by Mahlatse Makudubela
Pacome Zouzoua. Picture by Yanga SC

WHOโ€™S THE YANGA PLAYER SKUDU MAKUDUBELA RATES AS THE BEST

The 34-year-old has played for Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Platinum Stars, Chippa United and Highlands Park. โ€œAt Platinum Stars, it has to be Masibusane Zongo,โ€ he told Junio Khanye.

When Khanye asked him who his best overall teammate throughout his career was, he named Pacome Zouzoua.

โ€œIn my entire career, Iโ€™m going to single out two. Two players I enjoyed playing with on the team were Masibusane Zongo. Two, Pacome Zouzoua. Heโ€™s currently playing for Young Africans, number 26. Ah, my man, โ€˜Zizouโ€™. He knows my brother. You know me when youโ€™re good at football, Iโ€™ll tell you. Pacome Zouzoua, Professor, heโ€™s one of the best players Iโ€™ve ever played with in my career.โ€

Zouzoua joined Young Africans alongside Makudubela at the start of July 2023 from Ivory Coast giants Asec Mimosas. In the 2023/24 CAF Champions League, the Ivory Coast international scored three goals and provided one assist in six outings. Unfortunately, Zouzoua, capped four times for the 2023 AFCON winners, missed the two legs against Mamelodi Sundowns due to injury.

He went on to score seven goals in the Tanzania Premier League, helping Yanga win their 30th league title and the FA Cup.

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