Zim Star makes waves in US

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

UNITED States-based Zimbabwean football star Francis Motsi is making waves in collegiate football with his IOWA Lakes Community College in Spencer.

Motsi, who plays as a left or right wide midfielder, recently won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) award as well as the National Championship with his side after he managed to break into the school’s first team.

The former Prince Edward and Zengeza High 1 student, who previously played for Prince Edward Academy, Academy 2063, Power Eleven Academy and World Athletes Recruit, said he is looking forward to do well again this year.

“I am happy that I am making good progress after I joined the college in 2022. The level of competition is high and I am working hard to see my career grow.

“My intention is to play football professionally and at some point represent my country.

“I am on a scholarship with great mentorship and sponsorship by a great person, a father of two girls who I am not sure would love to have his name on the papers, but he is the reason I met the financial needs to chase my dreams.

“I am also grateful Archibald Tafadzwa Chisango, my elder brother, a great man who sacrificed all he had to make sure I am properly facilitated,” said Motsi.

Motsi grew up in Chitungwiza’s Zengeza 4 and attended Prince Edward School and Zengeza 1 High School before he left for State IOWA, in the United States of America in 2022 under a scholarship to fulfil his academic and footballing dream.

Motsi, who is also known by the nickname “Franco”, is fast emerging as one of his team’s key players for IOWA Lakes Community College.

The midfielder went to the United States to further his commercial degree studies after his first degree from National University of Science and Technology.

He played an important part in NUST’s third place finish in the 2021 Zimbabwe University’s Sports Association (ZUSA) Games which were held in Harare, scoring two important goals.

The attacking midfielder, who is inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, also spoke of how he balances schoolwork and football, stating that to him it is natural and it has no formula.

“No formula really, it’s just about doing what you need for what you want. The two might be confused so it’s better to do them both so when you finally get to know what you want and what you really need, you will have two already and what will be left is to place them in the right position,” added Motsi.