Tino Kadewere moved from Olympique Lyonnais to FC Nantes in the early days of the January transfer window on loan, with an option to buy the player automatically triggered in case of survival in Ligue 1. Since joining, the Zimbabwean attacker has had an increasingly important role in Nantes’ strike-force, scoring in a vital victory over Toulouse (1-2) this weekend for his first goal in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.

Kaderwere initially faced a setback by missing a penalty against Reims in Ligue 1, coming after scoring a brace in the Coupe de France against Pau. His goal against Toulouse last weekend came as a relief for the striker.” After the missed penalty against Reims, I really needed this goal because I hadn't scored in a long time," admits Kadewere.

The Kaderwere-Mohamed connection

The growing connection between the Zimbabwean and Egyptian international Mustafa Mohamed has had a positive impact in recent games for Nantes. Manager Jocelyn Gourvenec highlighted their impact following the game. “They speak the same football language," he remarks, adding that the inclusion of Bénie Traoré has brought a refreshing dynamic to the attacking trio.

The Nantes manager also revealed a budding camaraderie and infectious joy brought from Traoré and Kadewere, influencing Mohamed positively. "Our three forwards were sparkling. They didn't succeed in everything, but they always worked for the team," praised the 51-year-old.

The connection also reaches beyond the pitch, as Kadewere sheds light on the camaraderie between the attacking players, stating, "Since Mostafa returned, we talk all the time. We go for walks together, and yesterday JC (Castelletto) teased us because we sat together during the meal. We get along well, and we play well together."

After the victory against Toulouse, Nantes sit 12th in the table as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Stade de la Beaujoire.