WARRIORS coach Kaitano Tembo believes Jonah Fabisch’s move to South African side Lamontville Golden Arrows could open doors for him to join some of Africa’s biggest clubs.
The 24-year-old midfielder completed his move to the Durban-based side earlier this week following his departure from German 3. Liga outfit Erzgebirge Aue.
It marks the end of an initial European chapter that saw Fabisch progress through the youth ranks at Hamburger SV before spells with FC Magdeburg II and Aue. But according to Tembo, the modern African game offers a distinct kind of currency—visibility—that the lower tiers of European football simply cannot match.
The coach, who spent nine years coaching in South Africa’s top flight, is convinced that Fabisch possesses the requisite qualities to excel in the South Africa Premier Soccer League, predicting he could quickly establish himself as the team's best player. Having worked closely with the midfielder in the national team setup, Tembo views Golden Arrows not as a final destination, but as a crucial springboard toward the continent’s elite, such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and even Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
“For me, this is the right step at the right time,” Tembo told South African publication FARPost. “South African football will give him far more exposure than he would have got in the German lower tiers. Here, every match is watched across the continent.”
To underline his point, Tembo cited the trajectory of fellow Warriors international Divine Lunga, who used a strong stint at Golden Arrows to earn a high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns, where the left-back has since enjoyed sweeping success, including a CAF Champions League title.
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“That exposure is what Jonah needs to take the next step. The PSL is very tough, it’s visible, and it’s respected. Arrows is a top-eight team and is a good platform to rise. Look at how Divine Lunga changed his story because of Arrows,” Tembo explained. “Thankfully, he has all the attributes, technique and game understanding. I see no reason why he can’t be Arrows’ best midfielder. Jonah is a key part of our future in Zimbabwe.”
Indeed, the national team's long-term ambitions appear deeply entwined with Fabisch’s growth. “We are building around players like him,” Tembo added. “If he takes this opportunity seriously, I have no doubt he has the quality to play for the biggest clubs in Africa, teams like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, and it could even open the door to giants like Al Ahly down the line.”
"Coming to South Africa will also be helpful for us in terms of monitoring him for the Zimbabwe national team," Tembo noted. "It’s easier to track his progress week in, week out.”
Fabisch is widely expected to form the core of the Warriors squad for September's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Whether Tembo will be the man directing from the touchline, however, remains uncertain. Elevated to the helm following the abrupt resignation of Mario Marinica, Tembo's future with the team is not certain, with reports suggesting that Zifa are actively lining up a substantive coach to take charge ahead of the qualifying campaign.