Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Club
HIS late father Silent Katumba made a name at CAPS United, where he won the 2004 Premier Soccer League championship under Charles Mhlauri.
Brooklyn is now building his own name at Ngezi Platinum Stars where he is developing into a dependable midfielder.
Now 22, Brooklyn was only (7) when his father Silent died in Chitungwiza in 2011.
Thanks to a sound junior development system that exists in the dormitory town, Brooklyn rose through the ranks and is now being touted as a future national team player.
Brooklyn honed his skills at CSPRO Academy, owned by former Warriors defender Costa Nhamoinesu. CSPRO are coached by former CAPS United midfielder Musset Zengeni and they also play in the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League (CJFDL).
Junior football development structures have always existed in Chitungwiza where yesteryear stars like Norman Mapeza, Lloyd Mutasa, Stewart Murisa, Lloyd Chitembwe and Alois Bunjira came from.
But three years ago, a fresh system was introduced, which saw the birth of the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League. The League hosts an Under-15 tournament at Chibuku on Saturday. Some of the best players in that age category will be on show.
“As CJFDL we are happy with the progress we are making. We now have a lot of players now playing in Division One and Two as well as the Premier Soccer League who came through the system,” said Livingston Manhombo, CJFDL secretary.
He added: “We’re also happy that we now have four players on scholarships at Herentals College and Oriel Boys who were spotted at this tournament,”
Eight teams — CSPRO, Montana, Farpost, Ruponeso, Excellence, Marisa, Ramah and FNF Young stars — are taking part in this year’s Under-15 tournament.
“We’re happy with the support we are getting from the corporate world.
“Also the support we are getting from former players and coaches, namely Kalisto Pasuwa, Darlington Dodo, Elliott Matsika and Charles Maguraushe.
“Most of our clubs are being coached by former players who have played at the top level like Musset Zengeni and Permission Hukuimwe.
“Our preparations for this year have gone according to plan and it’s getting bigger and better,” said Manhombo.
A number of corporates are also chipping in, including LM Auctioneers, Utano Herbal Solutions and CrowdRoc.
“As you remember, for a long time Chitungwiza has always been the hub for junior football development.
“So we decided to revive junior football here in chitungwiza so that we start to produce quality players and retain our status as the number one producer of quality talent.
“We’re also fighting the issue of drug and substance abuse,” added Manhombo.
Some of the players who passed through this system who are now playing in either Division One or PSL include Tawanda Chatuluka (Triangle), Takudzwa Darkeni (MWOS D1), Farisai Chihoro (Grand Legacy), Tatenda Mherekumombe (Black Rock Hwange) and Happison Tsamwisi (Zambezi G&C FC).
