New signing Zviko Mapfumo has revealed a former ACE player put him on the road which led to Wolter Park.
The 21-year-old defender said it was Virginia team-mate Andre Bennet who “encouraged” him to contact ACE coach Steve Glockner.
Andre started 2021 with us in the Brisbane Premier League, but suffered a serious injury after just one game.
He recovered to join Virginia in FQPL 2 this year, playing alongside Zviko … who took his recent career advice.
Zviko put pen to paper for ACE last weekend and will be preparing for our 2023 debut in Queensland’s second tier – FQPL 1.
“The past couple of seasons ACE has always finished high up the ladder which is a testimony to the good football they play,” the former ACE junior said.
“As a player, this is obviously very appealing and I’d like to be a part of that momentum going into this new chapter for the club.”
Zviko can play left back and as a left-sided centre back – versatility which appeals to the coach.
“He’s a strong, fast, aggressive defender who has played at Virginia, The Lakes and Capalaba,” said Steve, pictured above with Zviko after completing the signing.
“Zviko’s also experienced and smart. He will be a great addition to our squad.”
Describing himself as an “out-and-out defender”, Zviko said he loves the physical side of the game and “takes pride in keeping clean sheets”.
“I don’t know any of the current ACE players personally, but have versed them four times in the past two years so I’m familiar to how some of them play,” he said.
One team-mate he will know when pre-season training starts closer to Christmas, will be Sam Noye, who also signed for ACE at the weekend.
Both defenders, they were part of the same Capalaba Under 23 NPL Qld squad last year.
Like Sam, Zviko wants to keep improving and one of his targets for next year is to try and make the Team of the Year.
