Ricardo Dinanga

Ricardo Flisberto Dinanga (born 6 December 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for AFC Telford United on loan from club Shrewsbury Town. Born in the Republic of Ireland, Dinanga also holds dual citizenship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He made his debut for the Cork senior team on 25 October 2019, in a 3–0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers. He went on trial with both Sunderland and Coventry City, but Sunderland refused to pay the compensation fee. He eventually joined Coventry on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract, to play for their under-23s.

Dinanga initially struggled at Coventry, stating "It was tough at the beginning trying to get used to not having friends and family around." He later became a regular of the team though, and won the Professional Development League final in May 2022. On 26 November, he made his debut for Hereford in a 2–1 defeat to Darlington. He made 3 appearances without scoring before returning to Coventry. He made his debut for Nuneaton on 25 March in a 1–1 draw to Needham Market. He scored his first goal on 4 April in a 2–0 win against Bedford Town. He finished his loan with 10 appearances and 3 goals in all competitions.

AFC Telford United After impressing in trial, it was announced that Dinanga had signed a one-year deal with fellow Southern League Central Premier Division side AFC Telford United in 2023. He scored 7 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions across the season, helping Telford to second place in the league. Telford also made it to the play-off final on 6 May, but were defeated 1–0 by Leamington. He extended his contract with Telford ahead of the 2024–25 season. After scoring a brace in a 4–1 win over Bishop's Stortford in November, manager Kevin Wilkin said Dinanga was a "vital cog" for Telford. By January 2025, he had scored 12 goals in 28 appearances.

Shrewsbury Town On 22 January 2025, it was announced that Dinanga had signed for Shropshire rivals and League One side Shrewsbury Town on a two-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut for Shrewsbury on 15 February in a 3–2 defeat to Bolton Wanderers after coming on for Alex Gilliead. By March, he had only made one appearance — his aforementioned debut — and manager Gareth Ainsworth stated, "It was always going to be a patient one with him. He's got to get up to the speed of professional football in League One."

On 19 August 2025, Dinanga returned to AFC Telford United, now of the National League North following their promotion, on loan for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

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