IS THIS THE FITTEST PLAYER IN THE PSL?

Bruce Chikuni 

YADAH fitness coach, Brian Mapfumo, feels midfielder, Blessed Ndereki, is the most energetic player in the Castle Lager Premiership. 

Interestingly, coach Douglas Chindoza, the man who groomed him, revealed that Ndereki used to walk from Southlea Park to Highfield where CADSHIP Academy is located, for training sessions. 

This happened for eight years.

The 20-year-old lost his father when he was 10.

“I think the only player who is close to Ndereki when it comes to endurance might be Tanaka Shandirwa and maybe because they came from the same Academy.

“Ndereki has huge potential and I don’t think he is going to be around at Yadah Stars for a long time,” said Mapfumo.

Chindoza told Zimpapers Sport that he is surprised by Ndereki’s rise.

“The boy went through a lot, I started knowing him before he became a teenager, I don’t remember him coming late for training or being absent. 

“Sometimes I would assist him with bus fare without him asking to be assisted but out of concern because he appeared okay with the distance.

“I think that’s where he got the endurance from, he doesn’t easily get tired and he is one player you can always count on when everyone starts to look tired,” said Chindoza.

Former Yadah coach, Expense Chitukutuku was the head of Churchill Boys scouting team when Ndereki came for trials.

After completing his O’ Level studies in 2021, he started training with his home-boys in Southlea Park.

That’s when the Miracle Boys advertised they were having their trials.

But, unfortunately, Ndereki didn’t have a phone and proper football boots.

His neighbour, Munengoni Chikoko, informed Ndereki about the advert and bought him football boots to attend the trials.

“Chikoko really played a key role in helping me to become the person I am today, he is the one who told me about the trials and equipped me to be mentally and physically ready.

“I made the grade because I didn’t want to disappoint everyone who had contributed to helping me.

“And, had it not been for Prophet Walter Magaya’s efforts to give youngsters a chance, maybe, I could have been still stuck in Southlea Park surviving on next to nothing,” said Ndereki.

The defensive midfielder, has netted twice in 14 games this season.