Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TINO Benza has hailed Scottland teenage sensation Tadiwa Chakuchichi as the next big thing in the Zimbabwean game after the Legends Football Academy’s prodigy broke the Herentals strikers’ own seven-year record to become the youngest player to score in the Castle Premier Soccer League.
Chakuchichi’s stunning performance in Scottland’s 5-1 thrashing of Kwekwe United at Ascot last Sunday saw him score Mabviravira’s fourth goal, propelling the team to the PSL title with two games to spare.
At just 16, Chakuchichi whose talent was identified and nurtured at Legends, pushed aside Benza’s record, which had stood since July 2018, and set a new benchmark as the youngest ever scorer in the league.
In setting a new benchmark in 2018, Benza had broken a 25-year-old record set by Warriors legend Peter Ndlovu in 2018,.
The Scottland forward was yesterday full of praise for Chakuchichi, describing him as a model young player with a bright future ahead.
“I have known Chakuchichi for years now, and he is a talented young boy who will go far if he stays grounded.
“He is humble, willing to listen to advice, and has the potential to achieve greatness,” Benza said.
Benza, who is now 24, has played a key role for Herentals College, scoring three and providing nine assists this season.
He believes Chakuchichi has the makings of a superstar and has tipped him to be among the top contenders for the PSL’s Most Promising Under-20 Player’s award.
Scottland’s championship winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya echoed Benza’s sentiments, saying Chakuchichi’s achievement was one of the biggest stories of the season. “He is a remarkable young talent, and his humility is striking,” Ndiraya said.
“I am thrilled he got the goal to break and set a new record for himself. He deserved it, and I am proud of him.”
Chakuchichi, who made his Premiership debut at 15, is learning from the best, including teammates Tymon Machope, Godknows Murwira, and Walter Musona.
“I am privileged to have such stars as my teammates, and I am learning a lot from them,” he said.
With two games to go, Chakuchichi will be looking to add to his tally when Scottland face relegation-haunted GreenFuel at Wadzanayi tomorrow and TelOne in their final league match for 2025.
