The community of Cefn Mawr will be getting behind Zimbabwe this summer as their very own Alec Mudimu swaps the Welsh Premier League for the yellow and green of Zimbabwe.
The Cefn Druids midfielder, who plays in central defence for his country, could potentially line up alongside Champions League winner Mohamed Salah today as Mudimu’s Zimbabwe take on the hosts, Egypt, as the African Cup of Nations gets underway in Cairo.
Mudimu has been with the Cefn Druids for the past two seasons and was one of their leading figures when they qualified for Europe in 2018.
Mohamed Salah will be Egypt’s go to player, given his performances over the last two seasons for Liverpool.
The Egyptian star has been in the top scorer in the English Premier League for the last two seasons. Most recently won the UEFA Champions League with the Reds.
“The prospect of playing against the likes of Mohamed Salah is huge,” stated Mudimu.
“Not everyone gets a chance to play in such games of this magnitude so I’m very grateful and happy to be here all the hard work and all the preparations comes down to today. It’s a very special day for me no doubt.”
Embed from Getty ImagesNot only will Mudimu be coming up against Salah, but he will also be tasked against some other African professional players who play their club football in Britain. Britt Assambolonga and Yannick Bolasie of DR Congo, both have Football League experience under their belt.
Mudimu was previously on the books of Sheffield Wednesday before being released. He almost had a route back into the professional game with Fleetwood Town and Rochdale, as he was offered trials at the two clubs, following a stellar first season in the Welsh Premier League.
His eight goals in 28 appearances, as well as his commanding performances in the midfield, earned the Cefn Druids a European spot.
Despite Football League interest, Mudimu stayed with the Druids. They were unable to recapture their form from the previous season, but again Mudimu was a big player for them, in their survival in the Welsh Premier League.
“Of course coming up against players with plenty of football league experience is always a great rest and good challenge for myself.
“I feel I’m fully focused, prepped and ready in all honesty so I can’t wait to get going. It’s always been a dream to play in the football leagues for myself.”
Playing at a semi-professional level, the 23-year-old has a disadvantage, compared to some of his opponents.
A number of high-profile players are playing in the top flight in the European leagues, whilst Mudimu has had to put in extra shifts on the training ground, to get into the required standard for the tournament.
That journey however from the semi-professional game has made the journey all worthwhile for the Ancients midfielder.
“It’s by far one of the biggest proudest moments of my life, the hard work and preparations gone into this and still to do has been a test in itself.
“Because when you’re not full time you have to put in the extra work and find time when you’re not working.
“I’m grateful for my family and close friends who push me every day at 5am to get up and go to the gym before me and a few very close friends for to a field and train, working on everything a footballer needs in this day and age to play well and have that extra edge.
“I’m very grateful. Not everyone get opportunity’s like this so thank you to everyone who’s helped and showed commitment and support to myself.
“Zimbabwe are proud to be in a major tournament and we look forward to competing with everyone here we’re going to give it our everything to win each and every game.”
Embed from Getty ImagesMudimu was originally born in Harare, Zimbabwe, before moving to England at a young age and making his international debut last year.
“I was shell shocked for 10 seconds. I couldn’t even breathe, it was such a surprise,” Mudimu told BBC Sport after receiving a call up last year.
“It’s not every day that you get a national team manager calling you saying that you’ve been selected for national duty.
“My sister and my grandmother were in tears.”
He later went on to appear for Zimbabwe in the 2018 COSAFA Cup – where he was successful as his country went on to beat Zambia in the final and therefore win their sixth title.
Mudimu was awarded with the Sports Person of the Year in the Zimbabwe Young Achievers Awards in December after making his international debut and winning the COSAFA Cup.
Zimbabwe will face Egypt, Uganda and DR Congo in the group stages, with the tournament taking place from June 19 to July 21.
(Featured Image: Mike Plunkett and Кирилл Венедиктов) This file is licensed under the license Creative Commons – Attribution-CompartilhaIgual 3.0 Unported .
By Ben Hudd and Jordan Jones
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