Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CALVIN CHIGARA has stepped into the Premier League with the confidence of a player who is older than 17.
He hasn’t just announced himself, he’s settled in and taken charge of a space usually reserved for seasoned midfielders.
TelOne trusted him with a demanding defensive role, and he has answered with a mixture of composure and fight.
He has become central to their structure, giving the side an engine that often punches above its age.
His numbers back it up.
Thirteen appearances, 590 minutes, seven starts, one assist, two yellow cards, and a season that kept pushing his ceiling higher. That kind of impact drew eyes beyond the club. National team selectors rewarded his form with a call-up to the COSAFA squad.
Two senior caps later, Chigara closed his debut year with a milestone most teenagers only dream about.
For him, this season has been about learning quickly and embracing the challenge.
“I am happy with my first season in the top-flight. I am still learning from the big guys in the likes of Frank Makarati, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Nigel Makumbe, Bruno Mtigo, Tawanda Macheke, Phineas Chigulupate and Lucky Ndlela.
“These guys boast a lot of experience and their availability made my learning curve easier.
“It wasn’t easy to come in and settle at this level considering this was my debut season. But my coaches and teammates made it possible and I am grateful for that as it made me manage to copy up with others.”
With one match left, he wants to finish strongly.
“This season is almost done, we are hosting Scottland on Saturday, I am looking forward to continuing working hard such that I earn my stripes.
“I believe in growth and that is only possible if I continue to work hard.”
Coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa, who scouted him from the FC Porto Academy, sees no ceiling yet.
“He is a very bright prospect and you can’t hide away from the fact that his future is bright.
“He needs to keep on working hard and make sure he stays at the top of his game.
“It’s difficult for someone of his age to come and play as a defensive midfielder,” said Maruwa.
