WARRIORS defender Jordan Zemura has expressed his delight after completing a season-long loan move to English Championship side Watford, saying he is eager to make the most of his return to England and help the Hornets secure promotion back to the premiership.
The 26-year-old left-back joins Watford from Italian Serie A outfit Udinese and will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Vicarage Road, ending a three-year spell in Italy after leaving Bournemouth in 2023.
For Zemura, the move is an opportunity to play closer to family and friends while helping Watford achieve their ambition of returning to the English Premier League (EPL) for the first time in five years.
"Happy to be here. Happy to commit to this team and colours and the fans. Let's make it a special season, 100% committed," Zemura posted on social media after the move was confirmed.
"Wishing my team-mates and Udinese all the best for the season! Continue all the good things, I'll be watching from afar.
"Finally, can't describe the feeling of being back in England. Back in London, back playing in front of my family and friends.
"Also back in the culture. Back in the mix.
"No better league to go and show what I'm about. Up The Hornets."
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Zemura is expected to make his Watford debut on Saturday when the Hornets host Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup, before turning their attention to the Championship, where they begin their promotion bid with a home clash against Southampton next Sunday.
Having previously helped Bournemouth earn promotion to the Premier League during the 2021/22 season, Zemura arrives with valuable Championship experience and will be expected to play a key role as Watford chase a return to England's top flight.
Watford's group technical director, Gian Luca Nani, believes the Zimbabwean's experience in England and Italy makes him an important addition to the squad.
"Zemura is a player with key experience in the Championship with Bournemouth.
"He is a full-back of excellent technique and quality, capable of contributing very effectively to the attacking phase. His experience in Serie A has further improved him defensively.
"He brings experience, quality and a winning mentality. We are really happy to have him at Watford."
The move also comes at an important time for Zimbabwe. Regular first-team football is expected to keep Zemura in peak condition as the Warriors begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Afcon qualifying campaign gets underway this week, with Zimbabwe hoping to secure a place at the continental finals after missing the last edition. As one of the senior figures in coach Michael Nees' squad, Zemura is expected to be a cornerstone of the Warriors' defence while also providing width and attacking thrust from left-back.
His experience in one of Europe's most demanding leagues will be vital as Zimbabwe seek to navigate a challenging qualification campaign and book their place at the 2027 tournament.
