Blessing Sarupinda (born 4 May 1999) is a Zimbabwean footballer who plays for CAPS United on loan from Sekhukhune United, and the Zimbabwe national team.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Blessing Tinotenda Sarupinda | ||
| Date of birth | 4 May 1999 | ||
| Place of birth | Mutare, Zimbabwe[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team |
CAPS United (on loan from Sekhukhune United) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Aces Soccer Academy | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2018 | Black Rhinos | ||
| 2019–2021 | CAPS United | ||
| 2021– | Sekhukhune United | 4 | (0) |
| 2022 | → JDR Stars (loan) | 4 | (0) |
| 2022– | → CAPS United (loan) | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| 2021– | Zimbabwe | 5 | (1) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 30 October 2022 | |||
Club career edit
Sarupinda played for Aces Soccer Academy as a youth.[2] He played for Black Rhinos F.C. of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League in 2018 before moving to fellow Premier League side CAPS United in 2019.[3]
In February 2021 it was reported by local media that Sarupinda was close to a move to Europe and was in negotiations with S.C. Olhanense. He was ultimately not signed because a lack of fitness. He had impressed the club during a trial the previous year but the move was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] When Sarupinda returned home in March 2020 and again in 2021 he re-joined CAPS United.[4]
Later in 2021 Sarupinda eventually signed for Sekhukhune United of the South African Premier Division ahead of the 2021–22 season.[5] By January 2022 he had made just four appearances for the club. It was announced at this time that he would be joining JDR Stars F.C. of the GladAfrica Championship on loan for the remainder of the season.[6]
In the summer of 2022 he was loaned to his old club CAPS United.[7]
International career edit
Sarupinda made his senior international debut on 7 July 2021 in the team's opening match of the 2021 COSAFA Cup against Mozambique. Two days later, he scored his for international goal for Zimbabwe in a 2-2 draw with Malawi.[8]
International goals edit
- Scores and results list Zimbabwe's goal tally first.
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 9 July 2021 | Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa |  Malawi |
1–2 | 2–2 |
2021 COSAFA Cup |
International career statistics edit
- As of match played 11 November 2021.[9]
| Zimbabwe national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2021 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 1 |
References edit
- ^ a b Khumalo, Carlos. "Coveted Europe Move Beckoning Zimbabwean Star Blessing Sarupinda". panafricanfootball.com. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ^ "Under-17". Aces Soccer Academy. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Mahlahla, Justin. "Sarupinda set to join Portuguese side, Sporting Clube". ZBC News. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Chingoma, Grace. "CAPS register Sarupinda". The Herald. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Malinganiza, Blessinig. "Sarupinda Settles in SA". hmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
- ^ "Rakhale joined by Zim international out Sekhukhune exit door". kickoff.com. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
- ^ "Former Sekhukhune United midfielder Sarupinda rejoins CAPS United". 20 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ Blessing Sarupinda at Soccerway. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ Blessing Sarupinda at National-Football-Teams.com