adminBruce Chikuni
HERENTALS coach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, recalls the prophecy which was made by local football icon George Shaya.
He told him that his nephew, Tafadzwa Jim, was going to break records in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Jim was handed over to Mutiwekuziva by Shaya before the legend died three years ago, at the age of 77.
The player came through the club’s developmental ranks.
He was promoted to the senior team after scoring nine times for the Young Students in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League two seasons ago.
He banged in six goals last season for the Students.
And, it appears the prophecy has started to manifest with the 19-year-old leading the Castle Lager Premiership Golden Boot race with four goals in five fixtures.
He has scored all of his goals as a second half substitute.
The Students have scored seven goals in their opening fixtures.
He was also controversially stripped off of his goal when the match officials ruled it as an own goal in their 3-3 stalemate against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab.
Jim has been the driving force in helping his side to rediscover the form which saw them reaching the finals of the country’s flagship competition, the Chibuku Super Cup.
“One day, the late Shaya called me and said I want you to groom this boy, insisting that there was something unique about his nephew,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“He told me that Jim has the potential to take the PSL by storm saying the boy has a gift of scoring goals.
“And, at that point, it’s something I didn’t take seriously because he was still young but I’m now starting to believe that he was telling the truth from what I have seen now.”
He said Jim has the potential to reach better heights if he remains level-headed.
“He is unique, he always gets into those scoring positions and his finishing is brilliant for someone of his age.
“I’m really happy for him that he is starting to get noticed for his hard work but I hope he will stay humble and let his talent do the talking.
“We have seen many youngsters failing to handle such pressure and I wouldn’t want him to join that long list.”
Jim said he is not worried about his reduced role despite his fine form.
“It’s so unfortunate that he (Shaya) is no longer here with us but I would have loved him to see what is happening in my career.
“He had so much faith in me and each time I get into the field of play, I will be feeling like I owe this match to him and it helps me a lot to remain focused.
“His dream was to see me scoring in the PSL and I hope wherever he is, he is smiling,” said Jim.
He added.
“I’m not worried about my situation and I believe, maybe if I wasn’t coming as a second-half substitute, I wouldn’t have been scoring.
“I’m content with this situation and I believe the coach knows what’s best for me and I will wait for my time.
“At this moment, what is more important is to play as a team and play to our coach’s instructions.”
Herentals are set to play Black Rhinos on Saturday at Baobab.
Online Reporter