Chronicle Editor
Gerald Sibanda, Sports Reporter
THEY might be bottom of the Premier Soccer League, but Cranborne Bullets have done well to introduce a 16-year old to the rigors of the league who made his debut at 15.
They have a gem in young Principe Mangondo. At 16 years and eight months old, he is the youngest starlet in the league, a division in which you find it very rare that players of that age are given a platform to showcase their talents.
The Cranborne Bullets player on loan from Black Rhinos, has made four appearances in the league this season and says that he is eager to get more game time as he believes he is ready for the big stage.
“It was a bit scary at the start but I am now used to the different types of situations. I have seen and learnt a lot, I now believe that I am ready for more action and more opportunities. It cannot be rushed of course, but I just feel that I am ready to play whenever I get the chance,” said Mangondo.
He made his debut at 15 years old last season while at Rhinos against now-relegated Bulawayo City at Vengere Stadium. The versatile midfielder who can play as a central attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and winger from both sides is also an Advanced Level student at Oxford High School, meaning that he has to balance his studies and football career.
The Mufakose-bred youngster who also idolises the legendary Peter Ndlovu finds himself in almost a similar situation in which he has to maintain fame at a young age, at the same time delivering for his team and doing well in his academics.
He will be hoping that he gets more game time when his side plays their next matches as the season is approaching its end and also to help his team survive relegation.
Online Reporter