HARARE - It had  to take a series of man-of the-match performances turning out for a Johannesburg-based social team called Tigers for Peter “Rio” Moyo to return to organised football after a four-year self-imposed exile.

Having left for South Africa in 2006 at the height of economic and political instability in Zimbabwe, Moyo returned to Zimbabwe in 2010 to join Quelaton. Having helped Quelaton gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League, Moyo is now on the verge of helping Highlanders to a first Premiership title since 2006, all going on to affirm that he made the right decision.

A former Zimbabwe Under-17 player in 2005, Moyo showed early signs of promise.

In that Young Warriors set up Moyo played alongside France-based midfielder Ovidy Karuru and the team was captained by Monomotapa hardman Brian Mapfumo.

The dread-locked attacking midfielder last week took time from his training schedule to answer the Daily News on Sunday readers’ questions.

Which team did you support growing up? (Ndabiningi Mpofu, Bulawayo)

Highlanders.

Who played a big part in your career? (Zenani Moyo, Bulawayo)

Gift Nkala the man who introduced me to the game, he was my coach in the Highlanders juniors, they called him Ghetto.

Who in your opinion is the best premiership player at the moment? (Thabani Ndlovu, Gweru)

My midfielder partner Mthulusi Maphosa.

Who is Peter Rio Moyo? (David Matenga, Gweru)

I started my football career at East Rovers Football Club juniors in 1999 at the age of 11 when he was doing his Grade Five at Ingwegwe Primary School.

At East Rovers I played alongside Thabani Kamusoko who was also his teammate at Ingwengwe Primary School.

Who is your favourite teammate at Highlanders? (Thabani Ndlovu, Gweru)

All my teammates.

Where did the nickname Rio come from and how old were you then? (Adam Chonowaita, Harare)

I was Five, kicking a plastic ball on the streets of Pumula East. A man who was a Brazil supporter, said to me “You should have been born in Brazil, in the city of Rio de Janeiro.’

I hope one day I will go there maybe when Zimbabwe qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

What have been the highest and lowest points in your football career? (Adam Chonowaita, Harare)

Going to South Africa was my lowest point and when I came back I was given a chance by Kevin Kaindu that was my highest point.

Who has been your inspiration? (Tendai Mushonga, Harare)

It was the late Benjamin Konjera when I was growing up. He was a great player.

Some Bosso fans have begun comparing you with former club greats like Willard Khumalo and Honour Gombami, how do you feel about this? (Brian Simbi, Gweru)

They compare but there can only be one Honour Gombani, I am myself. It’s good that I’m playing alongside experienced guys like Mthulisi, Innocent, Eric and Graham they always help me in each and every game that I play when I’m selected.

What are your aspirations as a player? (Taurai Mhende, Harare)

It’s a player’s dream to play in Europe.

What challenges do you come across in your day to day life as a Zimbabwean footballer? (Richard Muripo, Harare)

There are a lot of challenges; and they boil down to players welfare.

You helped Quelaton gain promotion last season now you are on the verge of helping Highlanders win the league this season. How do you feel? (Ntando Khumalo, Bulawayo)

I feel like I’m born again. I promise to bring those happy days back.

Glory days beckon at BossoPeter Rio Moyo in action for Highlanders last weekend against CAPS United.