Several youngsters continue to impress in the current Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign with outstanding performances, setting the stage for a tough selection of the Young Player of the season.
In Zimbabwe, ‘bigger’ clubs have not always bestowed their faith in young players, but this season FC Platinum, Dynamos and Highlanders effectively opened doors for rookie players that have proved to be useful in this campaign.
Since offloading eight senior players at the start of the season, defending champions FC Platinum have been thriving with a youthful squad that has seen the likes of Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Oscar Bhebhe and Panashe Mutimbanyoka punching above weight.
Highlanders have traditionally relied on players from their junior ranks, and this season, they unleashed 16-year-old Prince Ndlovu, whose potential to be a great player is undoubted.
Dynamos, on the other hand, were walking with springs on their steps due to Bill Antonio’s brilliance and how he was taking the opportunity well. Antonio has since joined Belgium side KV Mechelen but another gem, Junior Makunike, remains behind.
THE FIVE PROMISING STARS
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya [FC Platinum]
Ngwenya certainly has all the attributes needed to be a perfect gunslinger. The 19-year-old has a big frame. He is powerful, confident and speedy.
When coach Norman Mapeza released Silas Songani and Donald Ngoma, the striking responsibility fell on Ngwenya, and the rookie has made good use of the opportunity to become the club’s top goal scorer with nine goals six assists to his name.
Ngwenya graduated straight into the senior team from Guinea Fowl High School, where he was studying.
Under the robust mentorship of Mapeza, the Bulawayo-born forward quickly established himself as the club’s mainstay.
And it will be no surprise if he walks away with the rookie of the year accolade this season, but he will have to shrug off stiff competition from Jayden Barake of WhaWha, who has been rising above waters at the relegation-threatened club.
Jayden Barake [WhaWha]
WhaWha might be on the brink of being relegated, but striker Jayden Barake has emerged as a cut above the rest and will undoubtedly remain a premier league player even if his current club is demoted.
SHINNING LIGHT
Barake has been a shining beacon, albeit in the club’s struggles on and off the pitch.
The Dynamos juniors product has seven goals to his name and is ultimately the club’s leading goal scorer.
Under Luke Petros, the lanky forward has enjoyed significant game time ahead of seasoned players like Albert Matewu and Tineyi Chitora, a sign that he is too good to ignore.
At 19, Barake still has time to develop with bigger clubs already angling for his services when the next transfer window opens.
Prince Ndlovu [Highlanders]
During the mid-season transfer window, Highlanders promoted 16-year-old attacking midfielder Prince Ndlovu to the senior team.
THE NEXT PETER NDLOVU?
The exciting midfielder has been likened to the legendary Peter Ndlovu, who broke into the Bulawayo side at the age of 16.
It remains to be seen whether he will match the former Mamelodi Sundowns.
But certainly, the rookie is poised for greater heights if he lasts the distance under the guidance of Portuguese mentor Baltermar Brito who gave him his debut in July.
Prior to his elevation to the first team, Ndlovu had been in sizzling form for Highlanders’ Bosso90, playing in the Zifa Southern Region Division One.
Calum English Brown [WhaWha]
In terms of technicality, agility and pass accuracy, WhaWha’s Calum English Brown is arguably the best young player in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
A product of the Legends Academy, the 21-year-old is the only white footballer in the Zimbabwean top-flight league.
English-Brown made his debut when WhaWha got their best win of the season after thrashing Chicken Inn at Ascot stadium.
In this match, the former Zimbabwe Under-17 midfielder made intelligent passes and brilliant off-the-ballball movements as he announced himself to the Gweru-based team.
And he has emerged as a fan favourite in the Midlands province.
Previously English-Brown played for Herentals Under-20 team in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League, but he was largely frozen out.
However, at WhaWha, he has proved to be a quality player, although his efforts have not yielded much as the club sits at the basement of the league table.
Junior Makunike [Dynamos]
When the season started, Harare giants Dynamos were riding high with Bill Antonio in sizzling form.
They had also promoted 18-year-old Junior Makunike from their juniors.
Unlike Antonio, the Bulawayo-born midfielder has often been introduced as a substitute.
EDUCATED LEFT FOOT
With one goal to his name, the talented player who possesses a deft left foot is touted to emulate his late uncle Blessing Makunike who was part of the trailblazing Caps United class of 2004.
And as the season enters the homestretch, the steady rookie will aim to step out of Antonio’s shadow and reach full potential for the Harare giants.
