Defender keen to make immediate impact at the DW Stadium after linking up on deal until the end of the season.

Tendayi Darikwa | “I can’t wait to get out on the pitch”
Darikwa, 29, links up with Leam Richardson having previously worked together at Chesterfield
Darikwa: “Leam is someone who has had a big effect on me at the start of my career when I was at Chesterfield so it is nice to come in and help him out and together hopefully we can move up the table.”

Wigan Athletic’s latest addition – defender Tendayi Darikwa – says he’s keen to get off to a good start after penning a short-term contract with Latics until the end of the season.

Darikwa, 29, joins Latics after a challenging spell in his career following injury, with his last competitive match for Forest coming 18 months ago.

However, he has represented his country Zimbabwe in recent months and has been training with Forest’s first team as well as building his match fitness with the Under 23 side.

With over 200 league matches to his name, the right-sided defender says he is ready to make an impact at the DW Stadium.

“I’m delighted, it’s happened quite quickly,” Darikwa told Latics TV. “I’m a Wigan Athletic player and I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve not played too much football in the last 18 months after a bad injury. But I’m fit again and I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start playing competitive games again.

“I hope to help the team as quickly as possible. I’ve looked at the league table, of course we are in a tough position at the moment in the league. I think we have enough quality to get out of it. I want to come in and help the lads and hopefully move up the league.

“I’m fit and have been training with the first team at Forest since I came back from my injury and I haven’t missed a session. I’ve played a few international games as well [for Zimbabwe] and I came through them very well. It’s important now to play some competitive games at first team level, help the lads and hopefully get some wins as quick as possible.”

Darikwa’s reference for the move was Latics’ assistant manager Leam Richardson, with the pair previously working together in a successful period at Chesterfield.

And Darikwa explained Richardson’s influence, saying:

“I spoke to Leam a few times over the past couple of weeks on the phone. He’s someone who has had a big effect on me at the start of my career when I was at Chesterfield so it’s nice to come in and help him out and - hopefully - together we can move up the table.

“First and foremost, I’m a defender so I want to come in and help the team be solid at the back.

“I also want to help the team get up the pitch and use my pace and my energy, so I can hopefully get a few assists and try and nick a few goals if I can.”

Tendayi Darikwa | “I can’t wait to get out on the pitch”