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Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
ELTON Chikona’s mother feels she is still dreaming.
She still can’t believe her 18-year-old son, the hottest young property at Dynamos, won the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Most Promising Player award last Friday.
She still has memories of a young Dzivaresekwa kid she had to punish every time he played street football.
“I do not believe that this is happening, I never imagined myself at such an event one day,” she said, as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Elton has transformed us into celebrities, it happened fast, I do not know how best to describe this feeling or, maybe, it is just a fantasy that I will soon wake up from.”
Despite playing a limited role in the opening half of the season, Chikona went on to complete his season on a high with five goals and three assists from his 13 appearances in the league.
He went on to score the decisive opening goal in their 2-0 win over Ngezi Platinum Stars in the Chibuku Super Cup final at the weekend.
“I pray for my son every day when he leaves the house, asking God to guide him, I do not want him to ever get carried away by fame,” she said.
“He has always been a disciplined and respectful kid; I want him to remain like that.”
The Sunrise Academy product oozes with confidence and has a rare capability to keep himself grounded.
“We are a modest family, our life has always been punctuated by struggles here and there.
“Over the years, we bought a residential stand which we had not paid for in full, Elton stepped up and paid it off. We run a tuck-shop, he has bailed it out on several occasions and he is now the man we look up to for many things and I am very proud. Growing up, I knew there was Dynamos Football Club, heard of it and the big names that emerged from it but to ever imagine that I would have a son in that blue kit one day would be a lie.”
Chikona still has memories of his debut at Dynamos.
“It was terrifying and looking at the terraces, the numbers and the atmosphere said a lot, I was not sure what I was to do stepping onto the pitch,” recalls Chikona.
“The coach reminded me to take it like any other training day, which gave me an idea of what to do and that has stuck to my mind up to this day.
“I am happy, Coach (Genesis) Mangombe also holds my hand, he mentors me on and off the pitch so every time, I play my heart out because of him, my family and everyone who looks up to me.”
Online Reporter