FIVE days after his whirlwind deadline day move to Hibernian, Zimbabwe Warriors star Munashe Garan’anga has expressed his delight at joining the Scottish Premiership giants, describing the move as a vital step in his rapidly ascending career.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who arrived on loan from Danish powerhouse FC Copenhagen, has quickly settled at the Hibees’ camp. His arrival provides head coach David Gray with a physical, ball-playing defender boasting elite European experience.
Speaking on his first few days in Edinburgh, the Zimbabwean international revealed that the move caught even him by surprise.
“I'm very happy to be here. I'm happy to play for this team. It's historically one of the biggest clubs in Scotland,” Garan’anga told Hibs TV.
Reflecting on the frantic final hours of the transfer window, he shared a candid moment about how he received the news:
“It was very quick. I got the call in the afternoon—I was actually taking a nap—and then I got the news, and I was ready to go. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and this came about, and I was ready to take this opportunity.”
Garan’anga arrives in Scotland with a glittering resume, having secured league and cup doubles in both Moldova and Denmark.
His recent exposure to the Uefa Champions League with Copenhagen and his leadership for the Warriors at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in December have prepared him for the physical demands of Scottish football.
“Champions League football has helped me a lot in my career. I've played against very big teams, against very big players, and I'm just glad that it gave me a lot of experience as a young defender. The experience part is what I'm grateful for,” he noted.
Known for his composure on the ball and his imposing aerial presence, Garan’anga is eager to test himself against the Premiership’s most physical forwards.
“I think there are big strikers here, and I love a challenge. I love to go hard every time. I have a decent level on the ball as well; I think it will work well together,” he said.
Beyond the personal challenge, the defender is aligned with the club's broader vision of returning to the European stage next season.
“I had a conversation with the head coach, and we spoke about wanting to get to Europe in the next season as well,” he said.
“I think it's an exciting challenge for me to just keep going and get the Club's ambitions up. It’s another step in my career to get to where I want to be one day.”
The Zimbabwean powerhouse is expected to be a key figure for the Hibees as they enter the business end of the season.
Garan’anga has already instant impact after making his Hibernian FC debut in style as Hibs edged Dundee United 3–2 in a thrilling Scottish Premiership clash on Wednesday
Hibernian, who are fifth on the standings with 39 points from 25 matches, face log leaders Hearts on Tuesday.