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Innocent Kurira
ZIMBABWE teenage sensation, Prosper Padera, is believed to be close to joining English Premier League side Brentford.
The 17-year-old defensive midfielder is a product of Mutare-based Academy MAJESA.
He went on a US$130 000 scholarship programme to England, courtesy of Prime Time Academy.
He is currently trying his luck with Brentford.
Prime Time Academy, manager, Taurai Janhi says they have received positive updates about Padera’s trial stint with Brentford.
“As Prime Time Academy we are excited to have one of our own who is on trials at Brentford. The player has been in Europe for about a year now and he has been acclimatising and adapting to European culture and its football.
“His being on trial is a positive for us.
“Chances are high that something positive will come out of this trial stint. He has done well from what I have gathered and we hope a deal will be concluded,” said Janhi.
Head of academy recruitment at Brentford Michael Adesida is expected in the country ahead of the Prime Time Academy football skills exhibition set for December 11 to 13 at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare.
Other big European names expected for the scouting exercise include Johan Karlsson and Hakeem Araba — IFK Gothenburg, Dominic Price (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Jose Luis (Braga FC), Mena Ntoko (Standard Liege), Miany Mwanga (Standard Liege) and Maximillian Hahn (Werder Bremen).
Janhi says they have prepared well for the upcoming scouting event.
“This is a really big event. Bringing in eight scouts from Europe is a big deal. The players have to utilise this opportunity that has been availed to them. We hope to create European opportunities for these youngsters,” said Janhi.
The event is open to boys and girls aged between 13 – 19.
Registration is in progress.
The first programme was held in April and attracted over 500 aspiring young footballers.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter