Tendai Mzungu Biography

Tendai Mzungu will make a football homecoming to Fremantle in 2018 as the inaugural coach of the club's Next Generation Academy.

Mzungu, who has a BA in sports science and is completing a Diploma of Education, will work with the players developing their skills, and helping teach them about diet, strength and conditioning, and welfare.

"I'm excited to get a new challenge and I’m really passionate about influencing the youth, so the role really fits that criteria," Mzungu said.

"I’ll enjoy working with talented kids and giving them advice and guidance and support to hopefully, play AFL one day, much like I did."

Tendai Mzungu miss the first half of the season after tearing his hamstring in the second quarter of the Giants' loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

Mzungu has avoided tendon damage, but GWS medical staff are yet to decide on the best course of rehabilitation, and will assess the 31-year-old further in the next week.

Tendai Mzungu has been elevated to Greater Western Sydney's senior list to fill the opening created when ruckman Tom Downie was placed on the long-term injury list.

GWS recruit Tendai Mzungu hopes his versatility will provide a reason for the club's coaching staff to select him each week.

'It's a competitive group of players and it's going to be really tight for spots," Mzungu said.

"I've played a number of years on the wing and that's a position that I've played the majority of my football at, but also half-back I've played a lot of footy."

"I went forward on the weekend, so I like to think I can play a number of positions if needed."

Former Fremantle midfielders Matt De Boer and Tendai Mzungu have hit back at critics who have labeled them little more than back-up players at their new club, Greater Western Sydney.

"I'm here to play senior games and help this team win; I'm not here to make up the numbers," De Boer said.

"We'll be bringing our experience, and that mindset and attitude to every session to push the boys."

Mzungu says he hasn't given any thought to those who doubted the Giants' decision to give him another chance.

"It doesn't faze me in the slightest. I know internally we're really driven and we think we can help this group," Mzungu said.

"I know I need to work incredibly hard, and if an opportunity presents itself then I'm sure I'm up for the challenge.

"I treat it as a real opportunity at a team that is really on the rise and driven for success."

GWS select Tendai Mzungu with pick No.15 in the 2016 Rookie Draft.

“Tendai is an experienced player who, like his good mate Matt de Boer who we selected on Friday night, played a lot of football for Fremantle when they were right up the top of the competition," GWS National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso said.

“He can play a variety of roles and brings valuable leadership and experience that we think will help guide our younger players.”

Fremantle's list regeneration has continued, with Matt de Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Clancee Pearce, Jack Hannath, Brady Grey and rookie Josh Deluca among six new delistings.

Tendai Mzungu remains Fremantle's time-trial king after winning the club's 3km test on Wednesday morning for the second-straight year.

Tendai Mzungu signs a contract extension with Fremantle to remain at the club until the end of 2016.

"Being a Perth boy, there's always a want to stay here," Mzungu said.

"It's the club that drafted me and I really think we have a bright future here at Fremantle.

"There's was certainly no (indecision) from my front, it was a pretty straightforward process."

Freos' Tendai Mzungu is still a month away from full training while recovering from a wrist injury but is building his endurance in the interim.

"At the moment I'm just trying to get a bit of strength back in it so I can start marking the ball," Mzungu said.

"The best thing is I can still run so fitness shouldn't be an issue, it's just getting the strength back in it."

A pre-season standout, Tendai Mzungu's hopes to build on his 2011 season as Fremantle's best first-year player.

"I feel fitter and a bit stronger than last year, so having a year under my belt now I feel like I've got a good base to work with," Mzungu said.

"Having a full pre-season … I definitely want to try and build on last year."

Fremantle utility Tendai Mzungu says he is relishing his opportunities at AFL level after his start to the season was stalled by a knee injury earlier in the year.

"It was pretty shattering at the time, but I knew I'd get an opportunity this year if I did everything right," Mzungu said.

"I feel like each week I'm learning a bit more and getting a bit more confident playing at this level. I'm reasonably happy with how I'm going so far."

Tendai Mzungu makes his AFL debut for Fremantle at Football Park with 6 disposals (3 kicks and 3 handballs) and 2 marks in a 52-point win over Port Adelaide.

Docker Paul Duffield says Fremantle recruit and teammate Tendai Mzungu is set to take Roger Hayden's spot on the half-back line.

"They've been playing Tendai Mzungu back a little bit, and he's obviously a bit more mature and (has) played some really good senior WAFL football," Duffield said.

"He's fitted into that role really well and obviously has been doing really well in our running."