Rise of new ‘Josta’ at Biya 4 Academy

Praise Dhlakama

WHEN one talks about the Zifa Bulawayo Province Junior League, one name pops up in any conversation.

It’s the name Josta, real name Hart Chikwara.

The Biya 4 Academy midfielder is a marvel to watch. A very intelligent player endowed with speed, skill, and a killer instinct in one-on-one situations. He provides quality crosses, creates chances, possesses a visionary eye for defence-splitting passes, and his off-the-ball movement is exceptional. The youngster has it all.

But behind the explosive talent on the pitch is a grounded 16-year-old with a clear vision and an interesting story that began with a chance encounter.

Born on February 19, 2008, and living with both parents, Josta’s talent was discovered in Grade One at Helemu Primary School in Njube suburb.

“I was playing five-a-side with big guys in my area,” he recalls.

“Then a coach from Njube Spurs was passing by, saw me and invited me to join his team. That’s where everything started,” he said with a smile.

From 2014 to 2020, he perfected his craft at Njube Spurs juniors before making the pivotal move to Biya 4 Academy in 2021. His inspiration is a former teammate at Biya, Sibusiso Ndlovu, who signed for Manica Diamonds last season and has already tasted Premiership football. Biya 4 Academy, the brainchild of Thulani “Biya” Ncube seems to be producing gems as Highlanders have already snapped two of their products, wingers Ayanda Mkhwebu, who was turning out for Bosso 90 in 2025, and Royn Nyamomo who was at Premier League side Bikita Minerals the previous season. Josta credits former AmaZulu defender Goodson Gama, who is in charge at Biya, and John Mabayisa, the Spurs coach, as the mentors who helped shape the raw talent into the tactical powerhouse he is today.

The young midfielder’s resume already boasts achievements that belie his age. His proudest moment came in 2023, a landmark year when Biya 4 Academy were the winners of the Under-17 championship with 70 points after winning 22 of their 30 matches, with four draws and four defeats, shrugging off challenges from Highlanders (67 points) and Chicken Inn (64), who came second and third, respectively.

However, it was their stunning victory at the 2024 Iber Silver Cup in South Africa that announced Josta’s talent to a wider audience.

“We won the tournament that had teams coming from all over the world and had big teams like Kaizer Chiefs Academy, Mamelodi Sundowns Academy and PSG Academy. It boosted my confidence and showed me that hard work truly pays because I was outstanding at the tournament,” he said.

Josta also highlighted the sheer scale of the challenge of playing in the same tournament.
“Competing against and beating such globally recognised youth set-ups was so fulfilling; however, it had its challenges. We had to put in extra effort. I can say it’s the biggest challenge I have faced in my career, but I’m glad that we got the victory at the end,” said the former Mpopoma High School student.

The midfielder was also part of the impressive Biya Academy team that lost to eventual winners and hosts Hwange in the semi-finals of the Marvellous Nakamba Foundation tournament in December last year, via penalty shootouts.

His nickname, “Josta,” a moniker now known across the province, was a gift from his very first coach, who likened him to the 2019 Soccer Star of the Year winner Joel “Josta” Ngodzo. It’s a name he has grown into, embodying it through his performance in the middle of the park.

When times get tough, the teenager possesses an old head on young shoulders. His source of motivation is pragmatic: “It was never meant to be easy, because if it was, everyone would be playing football. That’s how I keep myself motivated.”

A supporter of football giants Liverpool and Real Madrid, Josta’s own dreams are firmly set. “My biggest dream is to play for the senior national team one day and play in Europe,” he declares, a goal shared by countless young Zimbabweans but pursued by few who persevere with dedication and discipline.

For now, Josta remains the shining star of the Zifa Bulawayo Junior League. But if his journey so far is any indication, from the dusty pitches of Njube to standing tall against PSG and Sundowns, this is a name destined for headlines far beyond the province. The nation will be watching the next big thing.