Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni,
Sports Reporter
SCOTTLAND teenage sensation, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, has become a member of the agency which manages Brazilian star Vinicius Jnr in a landmark deal for the highly-rated youngster.
He became the first Zimbabwean to be signed by top sports agency Roc Nation Sports International.
Roc Nation Sports International expanded its horizons to Africa as it confirmed the signing of the 16-year-old and seven other players yesterday.
This agency is owned by American rapper, businessman and multi-billionaire, Jay Z.
Chakuchichi has emerged as one of the country’s most promising talents as he has been making giant strides on his way to the top.
His passion to scale the mountain has been rewarded by Jay Z’s brand, which has been following his progress with keen interest.
This milestone has injected life in his quest to make a breakthrough into Europe.
He will be remembered as one of the first eight African based players to pen a deal with Jay Z.
Two years ago, Roc Nation Sports International widened their nets to South America where they managed Real Madrid’s Endrick.
The company also manages the interests of another Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli is also under this stable. RNSI also manages the interests of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Rukaku, Chris Richards, Federico Dimarco, as well as international rugby stars – Siya Kolisi, Marcus Smith, Ellis Genge and Cheslin Kolbe. The other seven African players who were unveiled yesterday are Neo Bohloko (South Africa), Ali Umar (Ghana), Joseph Narbi (Ghana) Francis Gomez (The Gambia), Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (Nigeria), Mamadou Diallo (Guinea) and Siyabonga Mabena (South Africa).
RNSI’s head of Global Recruitment for Football, Nathan Campbell, said: “We believe Africa is a hotbed of untapped footballing potential and our expansion here is a natural progression of our global vision. Our strategy is built on deep collaboration with local partners, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of African players, ensuring they receive the best possible support to reach their full potential. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the newest member of our RNSI football management team, Director of Africa recruitment Grant Veitch, who has been instrumental in the execution of this expansion project.”
Bongani Ndlovu