Tendayi Darikwa signed for City in July 2024 and has been a mainstay in Michael Skubala’s side since.
Darikwa began his career at Chesterfield, signing his first professional contract in 2010. He made his debut that season, in the FA Cup against Burton Albion. The 2011/12 campaign saw him make his league debut against Notts County.
During his time at Chesterfield, he played a vital role in winning the Sky Bet League Two title in 2014, the following season saw Darikwa’s side reach the Sky Bet League One play-offs but they were beaten by Preston North End over two legs.
Darikwa joined Sky Bet Championship club Burnley in July 2015, and made his debut against Leeds United in a 1-1 draw, providing the assist for Sam Vokes’ equaliser. After two seasons at Burnley, Darikwa joined Nottingham Forest, where he made 63 appearances, scoring his first and only goal for the club against Chelsea in a Carabao Cup tie.
During his time at Forest, Darikwa made his debut for Zimbabwe national team in November 2017 against Lesotho.
Following his spell with Forest, Darikwa moved to Sky Bet League One club Wigan Athletic, where he made his debut in a 3-3 draw with Rochdale. The 2021/22 season saw him captain Wigan to the League One title and make 51 appearances across all competitions. During their title campaign, he scored vital goals in victories over Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.
He left the Latics at the end of the 2022/23 season after 116 matches and joined up with Apollon Limassol, a side in the Cypriot First Division. He played 32 times during his season in Cyprus and signed for the Imps ahead of the 2024/25 season.
His first season in red and white was a successful one winning Player and Players’ Player of the Season at City’s annual end of season awards night. He made his debut that season against Burton Albion, scoring in a 3-2 win at the Pirelli Stadium.
Darikwa was named club captain by head coach Michael Skubala ahead of the 2025/26 season and the right-back has continued to deliver stellar performances for the Imps throughout the campaign.
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