Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Mafious Chihweta spent only six months in the books of Highlanders but fell in love with the team to an extent he almost broke down when he left for Scottland.
The 19-year-old midfielder has defied odds, mesmerising in Scotts’ colours just a month after crossing over from the Bulawayo giants.
He is only in his debut Premiership season, but his profile has taken an incredible upward trajectory.
He has shown a fearless character and energy which Mabviravira have been looking for to balance their act as they bid to win the league title at the first attempt.
Yet the youngster never found it easy to leave Highlanders when he made a headline move to the Mabvuku team.
He was quickly becoming the box-office attraction that had fallen in love with the Soweto End and Bosso fans in general.
“Leaving Highlanders was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. The passion, love and loyalty from the Bosso fans is something I will never forget,” said Chihweta.
“Even during tough moments, they stood by us with the same energy and belief. It was more than football, it was family. To this day, I have not seen fans like that anywhere else. I carry that love with me always, and I will forever be grateful to the Bosso family. I love you, Highlanders fans.”
While the Highlanders fans are second to none across the league when it comes to sheer passion and ultraism, Chihweta has found the stands at Scottland unbelievably vibrant.
They have injected loads of life into the Premiership and their pull factor in terms of the crowd has been evident wherever they play.
And Chihweta, who scored two goals for Bosso and has registered two assists since joining Scottland, says he is lucky to be surrounded by cheers in a season he is making his bow.
While he would have wanted to stay at Bosso, Chihweta said the lure of being in a star-studded environment was just too good to resist.
Scottland is a galaxy of profiled machinery in the mould of Khama Billiat, Walter and Knowledge Musona, Godknows Murwira and Nelson Chadya, among others.
“Being surrounded by high-profile players at Scottland is a big blessing. It motivates me to raise my standards every day. These are players I used to watch and admire, so now sharing the pitch with them is an opportunity to learn, grow and test myself,” added Chihweta.
“It pushes me to stay disciplined, focused, and always give my best. I see it as a chance to develop and become a better version of myself.”
“I’m just a young player who’s hungry to grow, learn, and make a mark. I come from humble beginnings, and everything I do is driven by passion and hard work. I’m not perfect, but I stay focused, respectful, and grounded. People should know that I’m not here just to play I’m here to build a legacy and inspire others.”
He was at his usual best when Scottland floored ZPC Kariba 2-1 at Rufaro last Friday.
