Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, [email protected]
FC HUNTERS coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera is building his Premiership newcomers around youth and believes giving young players a chance in the top flight is his way of repaying the community that helped shape his own football journey.
Several teenagers caught the eye when Hunters opened their 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign with a goalless draw against last season’s runners-up MWOS at Rufaro.
While experienced players such as goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa and captain Ronald Pfumbidzai provided composure, it was youngsters Benjamin Goliath, Junior Meya, Ordain Sira and Tadiwanashe Huni who stood out in a confident display by the league newcomers.
Saruchera says his commitment to young players comes from the opportunity he received as a teenager under the late Black Rhinos coach Ashton “Papa” Nyazika.
Nyazika handed him a debut for Chauya Chipembere in 1988 when Saruchera was still a Form Three student at Allan Wilson High School.
“Papa played me when I was still at school,” Saruchera recalled.
“I was a Black Rhinos junior and he promoted me to the first team. I owe Papa a lot and may his soul rest in peace.”
That early chance left a lasting mark.
Saruchera believes young players should not have to wait years before testing themselves at the highest level.
“We are not rich, but we have our own way of giving back to the community,” he said.
“We also played while we were still going to school, so I feel it is my turn to develop young talent in Zimbabwe so that our football can grow.
“If I see a talented boy, I will give him an opportunity to shine. I will not hesitate.”
Saruchera built a similar reputation during his time at Cranborne Bullets, where several young players developed under his guidance.
Among them were winger Tinotenda “Dhisombo” Meke, Leon Daka, Malvern Mudzuka, Adam Ngwenya and goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni.
Meke later moved through Simba Bhora, Ngezi Platinum Stars and GreenFuel before joining CAPS United earlier this year. Mudzuka has established himself at Norton side MWOS while Ngwenya is now a regular in midfield at Madamburo. Makoni has since joined Dynamos.
Saruchera hopes the next group will follow a similar path.
Goliath, a winger from Zengeza in Chitungwiza, almost marked his league debut with a goal against MWOS, but was denied in a one-on-one by goalkeeper Francis Tizayi.
Saruchera believes Sira shows flashes of a young Peter Ndlovu, while Huni brings steel in midfield and Meya offers energy from left back.
More teenagers, including Rassmally Chipango, Elder Chirima and Ezekiel Chikuwe, are also pushing for opportunities in the squad.
The young side will face a stern test on Saturday when Hunters travel to Shamva to take on 2024 champions Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium.
Saruchera expects a difficult afternoon against a team that has turned its home ground into one of the toughest venues in the league.
“We are new boys, so we need to be at our best if we want a positive result,” he said.
“Simba Bhora are one of the strong teams in the league and playing them in Shamva is always a challenge.”
For Saruchera, the bigger mission remains unchanged. He wants young players to believe they belong in the Premiership and he is determined to keep opening the door for them.
