dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
ELTON Chikona has matured so fast.
At only 18, the former Kuwadzana High 2 student has already settled at giants Dynamos.
Despite playing limited roles in the opening half of the season, Chikona is proving to be phenomenal, scoring four goals in just 10 games.
He has underwent trials in Spain where positive feedback is reportedly coming.
And the boy deserves all the attention given all the work he throws in.
Chikona religiously trains with the rest of the squad with coach Genesis Mangombe singling him out for his work ethic.
But outside the official sessions, Chikona has a busy and demanding routine that he adheres to, thanks to his childhood friend Lazarus Siyawareva who is a year older than the Dynamos striker.
Siyakureva is also an aspiring footballer and the two’s neighbours actually believe he is technically at par with Chikona, if not better.
And the two have always encouraged each other to work towards achieving their set goals in football.
“I would like to thank everyone at Dynamos for affording me a chance to be part of this big institution,” Chikona said.
“Before I even became part of their junior team, I was always training hard with my friend Siyakureva.
“We would wake up as early as 4am, run from our Kuwadzana Extension homes to Kuwadzana Round About along Bulawayo Road.
“Then we would do some hill runs for certain sets, do squats and pushups.
“That’s how we developed muscle as players at Kuwadzana High 2 school team”.
Chikona has continued with the routine and he credits Siyakureva for continuing to push him.
“We have continued with the routines. We now have our own footballs and we are always practising shooting.
“I think that has helped me a lot as an individual.
I would also like to thank coach Genesis Mangombe for also giving tips on individual training”.
Siyakureva said he and Chikona grew up together and they have shunned all societal ills to focus on their careers.
Strikingly, Siyakureva always attends Dynamos matches to cheer up Chikona.
“I am very happy for my friend Chikona. He is simply showing what hard work and discipline can do,” said Siyakureva.
“We are always together, having positive discussions and training.
“We have always encouraged each other on the importance of staying focused and putting in the work. I am his biggest cheerer in the terraces.
“I also observe him when he is playing, seeing where he would be lacking. We discuss all that at home and always consult the coaches then work on it”.
Online Reporter