Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ELISHA Pfupa arrived in the Young Warriors camp surprised by his call-up and unsure how he would fit in alongside his older team-mates.
But he left Mauritius with a hat-trick, renewed confidence and the belief that his faith is guiding him towards something special.
The Portsmouth academy forward, who recently turned 17 and was the youngest player in camp, scored three first-half goals in Tuesday’s 4-1 away victory as Zimbabwe advanced 6-1 on aggregate.
David Chigwada scored the other goal, helping the Young Warriors secure a second-round meeting with Mali in November.
For Pfupa, the achievement carried significance beyond the result.
“Scoring that hat-trick means a lot to me, especially for my family and my team-mates back in Portsmouth. It has really helped my confidence,” he said.
“I believe God has guided me to this position. The future is in His hands and where He decides to lead me.”
His finishing provided the cutting edge that coach Marc Sanchez felt distinguished the return leg from Zimbabwe’s 2-0 victory at the National Sports Stadium.
“I’m so happy with the performance of my players in both matches. In the first match, I think we had more control of the game, but in the second we had more punch and scored four goals in the first half,” Sanchez said.
“In the second half, we needed to control the match.”
Yet Pfupa’s introduction to international football began with questions about how he would adjust to the demands of the Under-23 side.
“When I found out about the call-up, it was a bit of a shock. I am quite young and one of the youngest here, so I had to adapt to an environment with older boys,” he said.
“I have been in environments with 19-year-olds before, and that helped me adapt as a player. Playing with older boys has helped me through this brilliant experience.”
That willingness to learn is among the qualities Sanchez values most in a squad combining domestic prospects with youngsters developing abroad.
The coach praised his players’ composure during a return leg in which he felt Mauritius’ physical approach tested their discipline.
“The most positive thing was how mature they were and how they respected the sport and our game. I’m so proud of them,” he said.
“All the players have talent, but what I like most is that they listen and have the spirit to give 100% effort.
“I think that is the way to improve, and they will keep improving because they are going in the right direction.”
For Pfupa, the Mauritius tie has provided encouragement, but his attention is already turning towards Mali.
Zimbabwe won the first leg through goals from Chigwada and Nisbert Muzenda before completing the job away from home.
“It has given me good confidence, and I believe we will go into the Mali games positively,” Pfupa said.
“When we play them at home, I believe it could be a good game. But we have to focus on what is ahead and leave the past behind.”
Sanchez shares that confidence, drawing reassurance from the squad’s attitude as much as its attacking ability.
“I am convinced we will be ready for the next round. They have a lot of talent, work so hard and have shown us that they have a good spirit to keep developing as players,” he said.
“They make the work easy for me and my staff. This is the way to improve, and I think they will be ready for the next match.
“Pfupa, however, knows that further progress will require contributions from across the squad.
“I think this team could go far, but it comes down to the whole team and what each and every player does to contribute,” he said.
For the teenage forward, simply wearing Zimbabwe’s colours remains a source of pride.
“I was quite proud when I got called up. It was a big moment for my coaches and my family,” Pfupa said.
“Representing this country is a big responsibility. Without the fans and coaches, I don’t think any of us players would be here.
“I’m blessed and grateful for opportunities and experiences like this.”
