Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOING through the paces under the watchful eye of former Zimbabwe senior national football team forward Shingi Kawondera is enough motivation for Ashley Ncube that he will reach great heights.
The 10-year-old Friendly Academy forward, who did not have an opportunity to watch the former Warriors talisman in action, has had enough about his mentor who believes the youngster has so much potential to make it to the top.
Ncube, a product of Friendly Academy where Kawondera is now a coach, is expected to continue with his good performances after recently begging the Harare Province Junior Football Development League player of the tournament at Commando Barracks.
Friendly Academy is well known for producing Zimbabwe senior national team vice-captain Marshal Munetsi, Munashe Bamara, Tinotenda Muringai, Murambiwa twins Mathew and MacSean among several others. After joining Friendly Academy in 2022 as a six-year-old, Ncube, is developing rapidly with the coaches and league executives heaping praises on the new found raw talent.
Kawondera, whose talent took him from the dusty streets of Chitungwiza to Europe where he played in Cyprus and Poland, among other nations, has faith that with proper guidance, Ncube is a star in the making.
Friendly Academy coach Kawondera believes the league will go a long way in unveiling some future stars in the mould of Ncube.
“The formation of the Harare Province Junior League is a step in the right direction and we are grateful to the clubs affiliated to us and the results will speak for themselves in the near future.
“There is a lot of young players who are doing well and I believe they will do well and even represent the country well.
“We have talented kids like Ncube and all they need is support and guidance from the academies and parents.
“We have a large pool of young talented players who need such exposure and winning accolades helps them to be competitive,” said Kawondera.
The 10-year-old St Peter’s Primary School, Mbare, Grade Four pupil who is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, said his dream is to play in Europe and make waves at the highest level.
“I am very excited to be named the player of the tournament at an event that had top players from teams like Dynamos, Black Rhinos, Inter Harare, Kuyamurana among several others who took part.
“It is my dream to play at the highest level one day and I am glad that I have some supportive parents who always take me to and from practice sessions.
“The accolade was the first for me and I am looking forward to continue working hard. I am grateful to my teammates, the coaches and everyone who has supported me throughout. I never saw my mentor coach Kawondera in action but I understand he was a fine striker and he has been good at us as young players. The coach understands us and is always encouraging us to work hard if we want to reach our full potential,” said Ncube.
Friendly Academy co-founder Sydney Matanhike hailed Ncube as a potential star in the making and promised that he is someone to look forward to in the near future.
“We are happy that Ncube was voted player of the tournament at the Harare Province Junior Football Development League and in him I see an upcoming football star who with support will reach dizzy heights.”
