Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
UK-BASED Zimbabwean football scout Jomo Dyson Dzapasi is celebrating on two fronts, the promotion of Doncaster Rovers into English League One and the continued rise of talented Zimbabwean youngster Tavonga Kuleya, whose career he helped nurture from grassroots to professional football.
Kuleya, a 21-year-old England-born Zimbabwean, was signed by Doncaster Rovers as an Under-14 player and steadily rose through their ranks. After completing a two-year scholarship, he was handed a professional contract by the club at the age of 18.
Doncaster Rovers recently sealed their promotion into League One, the third tier of English football, a major boost for Kuleya’s budding career.
Dzapasi, the founder of one of the top 10 UK football scouting projects working with professional clubs across England, played a key role in Kuleya’s move to Doncaster Rovers Academy following a brief spell at Sheffield Wednesday Academy, who had initially given him a YD8 youth trial form.
A former assistant coach at Super Eagles Futsal, owned by fellow Zimbabwean Phillip Zulu, Dzapasi was instrumental in Kuleya’s early development and proudly acknowledges his contributions at grassroots level. Credit also goes to Yorkshire Amateurs, the Sunday League team where Dzapasi was Director of Football, where Kuleya played week in, week out before catching the attention of professional scouts.
“Tavonga Kuleya is a technically gifted player who works very hard on the pitch. He has a great future,” Dzapasi said from his UK base. “He is one of my young boys who is with Doncaster Rovers and was promoted from their academy.”
An avid Leeds United fan, Dzapasi scouts young talent across the UK through PYE Scouting, Trials & Development. He is also the younger brother of former Black Aces and Chapungu United midfield enforcer Brighton Dzapasi.
It has been a season to remember for Dzapasi. His beloved Leeds United secured promotion to the English Premiership, followed by Doncaster Rovers punching their ticket into League One, sparking double celebrations for the passionate scout.
He believes Doncaster’s elevation will be a major catalyst for Kuleya’s continued growth as a professional footballer.
Born on June 15, 2004, in England, Tavonga is the son of Martin Gumbochuma Kuleya, a former Old Hararians rugby player and Zimbabwe national karate team fighter from 1989 to 1991.
Tavonga made his senior debut for Doncaster Rovers on November 9, 2021, in a 3-2 Papa John’s Trophy win over Scunthorpe United, marking the occasion with a goal.
He signed his first professional contract with Doncaster in August 2022 following a successful trial. Upon signing, he said:
“I’m delighted to be here. The gaffer’s been important on my journey as he has taught me a lot of things. It’s helpful having worked with him previously. I know his style of play and what his expectations are, which will help me slot straight in.”
At one stage, Kuleya was loaned to English lower-division side Truro City, joining initially for a month before the 2024-25 season began. He made his debut in the Aubrey Wilkes Trophy win over Falmouth Town and featured off the bench in their season opener against Dorking Wanderers.
His loan was later extended until January 2025, but Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann opted to recall Kuleya in December after the young forward made nine substitute appearances for the Tinners.
