The Incredible Rise Of Tawanda Maswanhise

The Incredible Rise Of Tawanda Maswanhise

Tawanda Maswanhise has become the fourth Motherwell player to win “Player of the Month” in six years. This will undoubtedly cement a starting place for the 23-year-old in this year’s AFCON for Zimbabwe, which begins later this month.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said: “Honestly, I’m so excited. It’s my first one, and there are some big names playing in this tournament.”

After a deadly double in a 3-1 win at Kilmarnock, the Zimbabwean followed that up with a stellar performance against Hibs 3 days later. Not only did he score a penalty in the match, but he provided the key pass for Elijah Just’s goal only moments later - also forcing a Grant Hanley red card.

Born in November 2002, Maswanhise spent the entirety of his youth career at Leicester City - overseeing an incredible season in 2015/16 when the club won the Premier League, accompanied by a Champions League run to the quarter-finals the following year.

He had to wait until 6th January 2024, however, to make his competitive debut for the Foxes, as a 77th-minute substitute in the FA Cup against Millwall.

Upon his release at the end of that season, Stuart Kettlewell took a chance on him, offering a short-term deal in Lanarkshire until January 2025. This gave him the platform to kick on and earn an extension to summer 2026, with the club holding the option of activating a further year.

After a turbulent first season in 2024/25 - which saw Tawanda score six goals in 34 appearances (all competitions) - accompanied by a first trip to Hampden, and a manager change - this season feels extremely different.

It’s been a whirlwind start to the season in ML1 since Jens Berthel Askou took the helm. It’s difficult to believe that Maswanhise struggled to get into the team while previous manager Michael Wimmer was in charge. However, since July the dynamic forward has flourished in the new system.

Under new boss Askou, it’s clear that Maswanhise is an important player in the squad, having scored 11 goals already in just 20 matches - and is currently the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership.

We can now only sit back and watch if he can keep this form up, and if he does, Motherwell have a great chance at having European football back at Fir Park.