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.

Blessing Sarupinda
Personal information
Full name Blessing Tinotenda Sarupinda
Date of birth (1999-05-04) 4 May 1999 (age 25)
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)
2022JDR 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

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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

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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

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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

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As of match played 11 November 2021.[9]
Zimbabwe national team
Year Apps Goals
2021 5 1
Total 5 1

References

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  1. ^ a b Khumalo, Carlos. "Coveted Europe Move Beckoning Zimbabwean Star Blessing Sarupinda". panafricanfootball.com. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  2. ^ "Under-17". Aces Soccer Academy. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  3. ^ Mahlahla, Justin. "Sarupinda set to join Portuguese side, Sporting Clube". ZBC News. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  4. ^ Chingoma, Grace. "CAPS register Sarupinda". The Herald. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  5. ^ Malinganiza, Blessinig. "Sarupinda Settles in SA". hmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Rakhale joined by Zim international out Sekhukhune exit door". kickoff.com. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  7. ^ "Former Sekhukhune United midfielder Sarupinda rejoins CAPS United". 20 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  8. ^ Blessing Sarupinda at Soccerway. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  9. ^ Blessing Sarupinda at National-Football-Teams.com