Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NORTON is buzzing and it’s not just because MWOS are shocking the PSL.
Now, two teenage girls from the football mad town are gunning for regional glory as Zimbabwe hunts a maiden COSAFA U-17 crown.
The football fever sweeping through Norton has sparked a wave of hope among grassroots coaches who believe the town is fast becoming a factory of stars.
Already boasting the Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter, Norton is also the hometown of Mighty Warriors veteran striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore.
Now, two rising stars from the same streets, Tadiwanashe Tunduwe and Merian Genti, are part of Zimbabwe’s 20-member squad heading to Windhoek, Namibia for the COSAFA Girls Under-17 Championship, which kicks off next week.
The squad, which also features two UK-based starlets, jets out on Saturday.
Zimbabwe will battle Botswana and Lesotho in Group C, starting with Botswana at Hage Geingob Stadium on May 12, before clashing with Lesotho two days later.
Coach Lindiwe Ndlovu will be hoping third time’s the charm, after failed campaigns in 2020 and 2024, while Zimbabwe also missed the 2021 and 2022 editions.
Tunduwe and Genti hail from Continental Bright Stars Academy, a fast-rising Norton based institution that’s making serious waves in junior football.
Coach Cephas Bobo can’t hide his pride.
“Two talented young girls from Norton will be donning the national Under-17 jersey, that’s a big deal for us,” he said.
“MWOS have brought top-flight football to Norton and that energy is inspiring the whole system, right down to grassroots.”
Continental Bright Stars, registered under the Football Academy Trust, are building a reputation as a breeding ground for future stars, especially in the women’s game. The duo are currently on loan at MWOS Queens.
“Their call up is proof that the academy’s vision is working,” said Bobo.
“We’re not just producing players for local clubs, our target is Europe.”
And it’s not just the girls making waves.
“Our boys’ side is also thriving. A number of players are set for trials in Poland soon, which shows how far we’ve come.”
The academy trains at Alex Sports Club, under the guidance of Bobo and technical input from legendary coach Wieslaw Grabowski, who occasionally drops in to mentor both the boys and girls.
On Friday, the academy hosts BN Academy in a much anticipated clash at Alex, a match tipped to be a showcase of raw, emerging talent.
“Seeing my players wear national colours is deeply rewarding,” Bobo added.
“It’s a sign that we’re on the right track.”
ZIMBABWE GIRLS’ U17 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena (Brighton & Hove Albion), Yolanda Chitsa (Maningi YSA)
Defenders: Tatenda Gambiza (Mposa), Gladys Giwa (Rufaro High), Anotidaishe Zvinoira (Faith Drive Academy), Hazel Kanyuru (Rufaro High), Tadiwanashe Tunduwe (Football Academy Trust), Rosemary Mkandla (Las Palmas)
Midfielders: Perpetua Chisuro, Miriam Gwenzi (both Faith Drive), Ivy Nyamucherera (Lobengula Queens), Alicia Chinyoka (FC Platinum Royals), Natasha Chibvongodze (Rufaro High), Shantello Mugute (Scottland Queens), Mya Munyanduki (West Ridding Girls FC, UK), Chiedza Khumalo (Mposa)
Forwards: Merian Genti (Football Academy Trust), Winnie Mapuwa (Legends Academy)
dyton mupawaenda