Mheuka honoured at Chelsea

Shumaira “Shim” Mheuka

CHELSEA striker Shumaira Mheuka has been named the English Premier League 2 (PL2) Player of the Season, following a prolific campaign for the Blues.

Mheuka is a British-Zimbabwean footballer born in Birmingham, England, to Zimbabwean parents.

His father Malcom featured for Zimbabwe Saints when they were still playing top-flight football in the country.

As of 2026, Shumaira, who has so far turned down overtures to play for his fatherland, plays for Chelsea and represents England at the youth international level.

He, however, remains eligible to play for Zimbabwe. And the 18-year-old captain led by example as Chelsea secured the PL2 title with an astonishing 14 wins from their 20 league fixtures to finish top of the table.

“It has been a great season for me and I’m very proud to receive this award,” Mheuka told the official club website.

“I’ve worked hard throughout the year and I’m grateful to my family, the staff and my teammates for all of their support.”

Mheuka was sensational throughout a memorable campaign, finishing the season as the PL2’s top scorer, netting 18 goals in just 19 appearances.

The Birmingham-born forward, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of his Under-14 season, began the 2025/26 campaign in fine form — and didn’t look back.

Mheuka scored four goals in his opening three matches, including a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against reigning PL2 champions Manchester City, and was named PL2 Player of the Month for August.

His progress has continued at pace, and having already tasted Premier League, UEFA Conference League and EFL Cup action last season, Mheuka also featured in an FA Cup fourth-round match against Hull City in February, helping the Blues secure a 4-0 win.

As captain, Mheuka led by example and was a consistent driving force throughout a memorable season for Chelsea’s Under-21s.

Mheuka was chosen as the PL2 Player of the Season by the Premier League Football Development Panel, topping an eight-man shortlist.

Congratulations to PL2 Player of the Season, Mheuka.

PL2 Player of the Season winners:

2016/17: Oliver McBurnie (Swansea)

2017/18: Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)

2018/19: Aaron Connolly (Brighton)

2019/20: Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

2020/21: Liam Delap (Man City)

2021/22: James McAtee (Man City)

2022/23: Carlos Borges (Man City)

2023/24: Will Lankshear (Spurs)