Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
THE 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be remembered, among other things, as a season in which teenage talent made a huge breakthrough.
Bill Antonio (19) was a big revelation at Dynamos FC, before earning a historic move to Belgian top-flight side, KV Mechelen.
Callum English-Brown dazzled for Whawha FC, and by the time the Gweru side was relegated, the flying winger had already attracted the interest of Chicken Inn.
Black Rhinos also included 16-year-old Principe Magondo in their season squad, while Highlanders promoted teenage sensation, Prince Ndlovu, to the senior team.
The youth revolution also reached Zvishavane, where FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza, refreshed his team by injecting fresh blood.
The trio of Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Kelvin Mangiza, emerged from their shells and wrestled for first-team jerseys.
Resultantly, there is anticipation that the youth revolution will continue into the 2023 season, which kicks off mid-March.
Former national Under-20 midfielder, Sebastien Summerfield is predicting an exciting season that could also usher in more fresh talent.
Summerfield was part of the Young Warriors squad at the 2020 COSAFA Under-20 tournament in South Africa, and played alongside the FC Platinum duo of Mangiza and Mutimbanyoka.
“A lot of academy graduates are making their way into the senior teams, which is a great thing,” says Summerfield.
“Teams like FC Platinum have a very big youth system. They have the likes of Kelvin Mangiza, and Panashe Mutimbanyoka; those guys were with me at the national Under-20 team.
“It’s good to see these guys playing for one of the biggest teams in the land, and they are starting for the league champions now.”
Mutimbanyoka, Ngwenya and reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Walter Musona are expected to form a deadly front three for FC Platinum this season.
The 2023 season kicks off with the Castle Lager Challenge match between league champions, FC Platinum and Chibuku Super Cup winners, Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava Stadium on March 5.
“We can expect an intriguing season,” added Summerfield.
“I think there are certain clubs that are really integrating young players well.
“Top teams like Dynamos, FC Platinum, and Chicken Inn are also doing a great job of loaning their players to smaller teams.
“You get to build so much confidence when you play for these so-called small teams.
“English-Brown got that big breakthrough to Chicken Inn because he was at Whawha,” he said.
The 21-year-old is now turning out for Swiss lower league side, FC Kilchberg, and is back home for the off-season.
He has hosted youth tournaments in high-density suburbs like Dzivaresekwa and Mbare.
“We need to push our young players. Hopefully, we can develop a stronger youth league.
“That is what I am trying to implement,” said Summerfield.
“I am trying to hold some grassroots tournaments in the high-density suburbs because, at the end of the day, we need a solid succession plan. When those big players retire, who is going to be there?
“It will be these young players, and it is important we shed a big light on them through grassroots football projects.”
Online Reporter