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Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TROUBLED giants Dynamos could probably have been in a better place with emerging starlet, Mafious Chihweta in their fold.
The 19-year-old is by far the revelation of the season, dazzling for Highlanders in his top-flight debut before Scottland jumped onto his signature in the mid-season transfer window.
His incredible skill and sheer football intelligence gave Bosso some amazing balance and he has taken exactly the same qualities to title-chasing Scottland. Chihweta is being seen as an X-Factor for a star-studded Scottland outfit that is not short on talent and experience.
He has already delivered a glimpse of what he can do after providing two assists for the Tonderai Ndiraya side in his first league game for the Mabvuku side when they massacred FC Platinum 5-2 a fortnight ago. Given, there are high-profile players at Scottland like Khama Billiat, former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona and Fredrick Ansah-Botchway, but most of the focus right now is on Chihweta, who could play a central role in the destiny of the championship.
While Chihweta is the talk of the league right now with a big chance of winning the league title in the same year he made his top-flight debut, the very team that never saw value in him, Dynamos are fighting to save their Premiership status.
The teenager was rejected by the Glamour Boys, not once but twice, in successive years, by two different coaches Genesis “Kaka” Mangombe and Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe at DeMbare.
The Prince Edward Academy product failed to convince Mangombe in a brief trial early last year before his nursery facilitated his move to Aouthern Region Soccer League side Ajax Hotspur.
After the expiry of his stay in Bulawayo, Chihweta once again attended Dynamos trials but still failed to catch the eye with Chigowe dismissing him alongside a host of other youngsters.
But Highlanders saw something special in him when they assessed him and decided to take him on board. “Before I joined Highlanders, my football journey was built on passion, patience, and hard work. I started playing at a local academy while doing my primary school at Glen Norah No. 7 Council. “Around Grade 6/7, I joined Prince Edward Academy. In Form 1, Harare City offered me a scholarship at Waddilove High School, but I returned to Prince Edward in Form 2 and continued both my football and studies there until 2023.
“In early 2024, I trained with Dynamos from January to June but didn’t make the final squad. In July of the same year, Prince Edward Academy helped facilitate a move to Bulawayo Division One side Ajax Hotspur, where I played until the end of the season,” said Chihweta.
“For the 2025 pre-season, I returned to Dynamos, but unfortunately I once again didn’t make it. I then travelled back to Bulawayo, auditioned for Highlanders, and thankfully passed.
“That opportunity gave me my first Premier League breakthrough.”
And after scoring three goals for Bosso and warning his first Warriors call-up in the Cosafa Championship played in South Africa, Chihweta is as focused as ever since crossing to the Mabvuku outfit. He has already shown the stuff he can give Scottland as he appears to be flawlessly fitting into their system.
“Settling in at Scottland has been made easier by the welcoming environment from both the players and technical team. From day one, I felt like part of the family. I came with a mindset to work hard, stay humble, and learn quickly,” he added.
“The support around me, especially from the senior players and coaches, has helped me adjust both on and off the pitch. It’s all about staying focused and embracing the challenge.”
He added; “For me, joining a team with some of the most talented players in the league wasn’t something to fear; it was something to embrace.
“I’ve always believed that surrounding yourself with quality only pushes you to grow. It’s a great opportunity to learn, compete, and contribute in an environment that demands excellence.
“I came with the mindset to add value while also sharpening myself through the high standards set by the team.”
Chihweta is this afternoon expected to provide the cutting edge that will down ZPC Kariba at Rufaro and move Scottland to the summit of the table, at least for 24 hours.
With 46 points under their belt, Scottland are just a point behind leaders Simba Bhora with 10 games remaining. The Scotts host ZPC Kariba and a win will lift them to the top of the standings with Simba Bhora and third-placed MWOS set to clash at Ngoni tomorrow. Chihweta yesterday told Zimpapers Sports Hub:
“I believe Scottland have a strong chance of competing for the Premiership title this season.
“The team has depth, talent, and unity; qualities that are key to success. But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves; we’re taking it one game at a time, staying focused and putting in the hard work.If we keep that mentality, I believe we we can achieve something special.”
Online Reporter