Innocent Kurira
FROM nutmegging defenders for fun to scoring on his Warriors debut and attracting a reported US$200 000 transfer deal, Mongameli “Smaller” Tshuma is having a season to remember — but could the Highlanders midfielder cap it all by crashing the Soccer Stars of the Year party?
At just 24, Tshuma has enjoyed a breakthrough 2026 campaign that has transformed him from one of Bosso’s exciting prospects into a Warriors international and one of the most talked-about players in domestic football.
His close control, fearless dribbling and ability to take on opponents have made him a crowd favourite, although his tendency to sometimes hold on to the ball for too long has attracted criticism.
But should that occasional weakness overshadow a season in which he has consistently given defenders nightmares and announced himself on the biggest stages?
Tshuma has certainly made a compelling case for recognition.
His journey to the top has been anything but an overnight success. He worked his way up through the lower divisions, developing his game at Chiwororo, Zimbabwe Saints, Zebra Revolution and
Hwange before earning his opportunity at Highlanders.
At Bosso, he has developed into one of the team’s most influential midfielders, bringing creativity, confidence and an ability to take responsibility in possession.
His dribbling remains his most recognisable weapon, but there is more to his game than nutmegs and fancy footwork.
He possesses the vision to pick out teammates, the composure to retain possession under pressure and the passing ability to keep Highlanders moving.
His performances against CAPS United and Dynamos in Harare were particularly significant.
Against two of the country’s biggest football institutions, Tshuma showed that his qualities were not limited to the familiar surroundings of Barbourfields Stadium. He rose to the occasion and gave football followers another glimpse of why his stock has been rising.
Then came the Warriors call-up.
His maiden national team selection was followed by a memorable debut against Botswana at the Four Nations tournament in Francistown, where he found the back of the net in Zimbabwe’s 3-0 victory.
For a player whose rise through the domestic game has been so rapid, scoring on his international debut was another major milestone.
The transfer market has also taken notice.
CAPS United and FC Hunters were among the clubs reportedly interested in his services, but Hardrock eventually secured an agreement for his permanent transfer from January 2027, in a deal reportedly valued at US$200 000.
It is quite a statement for a player who was not necessarily among the leading Soccer Stars of the Year discussions when the season began.
Veteran football administrator Lloyd Munhanga, who worked with Tshuma during his formative years, believes the midfielder is nowhere near reaching his full potential.
“The boy has always been bad news. He hasn’t reached his peak. He is for international market,” said Munhanga.
The endorsement carries weight, particularly because Munhanga knew Tshuma long before the Highlanders spotlight came calling.
Even former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari has been swept away by the midfielder’s qualities, sensationally revealing that he wishes he could coach him for the rest of his life.
But back to the Soccer Stars debate.
The selectors will have a difficult task, with established performers and emerging talents competing for recognition in a season that has produced several outstanding individual displays.
Among those expected to feature prominently in the 2026 Soccer Stars of the Year conversation are Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini and Washington Navaya of Hardrock, Nelson Chadya and
Mthokozisi Msebe of Scottland, Andrew Mbeba of Highlanders and Melikhaya Ncube of Bulawayo Chiefs.
Whether Smaller makes the final cut remains to be seen, but his season has certainly put him in the conversation.
And if defenders have spent the year struggling to get the ball off him, the Soccer Stars selectors may soon have to decide whether they can afford to overlook him!
