By Peter Law

President Mugabe congratulates Ndlovu for leading Zimbabwe to the Nations Cup finals

For well over a decade Peter Ndlovu has been displaying his skills around English football grounds.

The captain of Zimbabwe is now back for his 13th season, hoping to lead Sheffield United into the Premiership.

Since being snapped up from Zimbabwe club side Highlanders for just �10,000 by Coventry, Peter Ndlovu has given great value for money to all the four clubs he has played for.

He arrived in England as a teenager back in 1991. In those days, African footballers were a novelty in English football.

But after almost 150 top-flight appearances with the 'Sky Blues' and 35 league goals, he was off to a new challenge with nearby Birmingham City.

Having dropped down a division, he spent four seasons with Birmingham, the latter part of which was curtailed by niggling injuries as the club continually fell short of promotion.

Ndlovu is into his 13th English season

As doubts persisted about his long-term fitness, a loan deal at Huddersfield in 2001 offered the chance to get some matches under his belt.

Then in February 2001, Sheffield United came in for the services of the Zimbabwe captain, signing him up on a free transfer.

He played a key role as Neil Warnock's side reached two cup semi-finals and the first division play-offs.

But perhaps his biggest achievement came this summer when he lead his country to their first ever Nations Cup finals.

They will take their place among Africa's best when the tournament kicks off in Tunisia in January next year.

For now though his priority is to help Sheffield United achieve their goal of promotion.