Chitima shines at City

Curtworth Masango

CITY Academy youngster, Donnel Anashe Chitima (12), has made the grade at Manchester City where he has been undergoing trials.

Chitima was part of the City Academy Under-13 trio who left the country for a two-week trial, spending a week in Dubai and the other one in England.

Elvis Chayanzika and Bright Marovanidze are the other two players who are undergoing trials. 

The trio was accompanied by their coach Agripa Guti.

Guti told H-Metro that Donnel has been outstanding.

“Donnel has been outstanding throughout these trials. He scored a goal in a pre-arranged match where they won 4-1 played at Active Masdar City Sports Campus (Dubai).

“He got an early Christmas present from his fellow teammates after a sterling performance.

“He is set to sign a contract tomorrow (today) which will allow him to be attending Holiday training sessions with the Citizens in April, August, and December every year until he is 17 years and 122 days.

“He might be loaned to Man City, New York City or another European City base. “Details are yet to emerge but everything is underway and all is good to go.”

He added:

“He will be moving to the Etihad campus every school holiday for two weeks then going to another European city campus before returning to Zimbabwe,” he said.

Before leaving Zimbabwe, Chitima was bubbling with confidence.

“It’s a great opportunity many people don’t have. I am very happy for the coaches to give me the opportunity to go there.

“I have been working hard for this and I am sure I am going to do well.

“I have talent and I work extra hard just like Cristiano Ronaldo. I know that will make me shine in these trials,” he said.