WARRIORS defender Munashe Garananga has joined KV Mechelen, linking up with compatriot Bill Antonio at the Belgium top flight team.
The lanky 23-year-old is coming from Moldovan Super League FC Sheriff, a club he joined in 2022 and enjoyed a successful stint, including featuring for the team in the Uefa Europa and Conference League games.
Mechelen announced on Thursday night that they had snatched the highly rated central defender on a three-year deal after beating competition from other suitors, who included French Ligue 1 side Clermont.
“We are extra proud to be able to bring him in,” Mechelen director of football Tim Matthys said.
“With Munashe we are bringing in a talented defender who, at the age of 23, can already show a good track record. He already has a lot of experience and has also played Conference and Europa League.
“He is a boy who wants to invest in his sporting career. Lucky for us, because otherwise he would be a waste of money. The many offers from several larger clubs proved that. I look forward to how he will develop with us.”
Garananga, who has also played for South Africa lower league side Ubuntu and Belarus giants Dinamo Brest, expressed delight in joining Mechelen.
More interestingly, the deadlocked defender was Antonio's senior at Prince Edward High School back home.
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Garananga was on the stands and watched Antonio score for Mechelen in a 2-2 league match against Anderlecht on Thursday night.
“Bill Antonio and I used to go to the same high school,” said Garananga. “It will be a nice reunion.
“Do I know KV Mechelen? Yes, it is a big club here in Belgium, known for its supporters.
“I am attending the match tonight (Thursday), so I am curious about the atmosphere.
“I personally want to develop further as a footballer here in the coming years. “I believe I am in the right place for that in Mechelen.”
Garananga, just like Antonio, has a single cap for the senior national team.
He featured as a second substitute in the Warriors' last match, a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Rwanda late last year.
The Mechelen pair is expected to be part of the Zimbabwe squad when the Warriors resume their World Cup qualification campaign in June with back to back clashes against Lesotho and South Africa.
