Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TEENAGE sensation Anotida Kashitiku could become the second Zimbabwean after Nyasha Mushekwi to play in the Chinese Super League if he comes good in his audition with Beijing Guoan.
The Jadel Academy star has been invited for a two week trial stint by the title-chasing side.
The club has been following the 17-year-old’s development since he was still with the Jadel Academy China.
Kashitiku spent five years in China, where he showed a tremendous growth trajectory before he moved back to Zimbabwe.
He is enrolled at Prince Edward School as a part of the partnership between Jadel Academy and the school which was crafted at the beginning of this year.
Jadel Academy director Walter “Ringers” Musanhu confirmed Kashitiku will be in China from next weekend for the high-level assessment.
“Yes, we have everything in place regarding Anotida Kashitiku’s trials with Beijing Guoan Football Club.
“Kashitiku is one of our flourishing products and is still in school.
“He spent five years with Jadel Academy China before he moved to join Jadel Academy Zimbabwe and is enrolled at Prince Edward where we have a subsisting partnership deal,” said Musanhu.
“All I can say is that Beijing Guoan FC were keeping close tabs on Kashitiku’s development.
“They were waiting for the right time and they have already sent an invitation for him to go for an audition with them.
“Everything is in place including the air ticket, just everything. We are very confident that Kashitiku will foot the bill at Beijing Guoan FC. He knows the dynamics of Chinese football having spent a significant time of his development in China.
“We will be very happy to have one of our players breaking into the Chinese Super League.
“It will be the beginning of a new era as most of the guys we started with are now teenagers.”
Kashitiku is a utility star blessed with both pace and precision.
He can play as a midfielder and he is also at home on either side of the wings.
If he goes on to impress and get a contract at Beijing Guoan, he will become the second Zimbabwean to play in the lucrative Chinese Super League after Mushekwi.
The latter first arrived in China in 2016, where he spent three seasons with Dalian Yifang which he helped win the Chinese title in 2017.
The former CAPS United forward then joined lower league side Zhejiang Greentown in 2019 which he helped get promotion into the Chinese Super League in 2021.
The 37-year-old is now playing in the Chinese League One for Dalian Kun City.
That means Kashitiku will be the only Zimbabwean in the Chinese Super League if he passes his trials and gets a contract at Beijing Guoan.
Meanwhile, Jadel Academy has been invited to participate in the Thaiwoo Cup Youth Football Championship to be held in Thaiwoo Ski Town, China from 6 – 15 (U-11) and 16 – 25 (U-13) July and the 42nd edition of the 100 Teams Cup to take place in Beijing from 8 – 16 August.
The Championship has been held for six consecutive years since 2018 and has become a traditional competition.
Jadel Academy won the 100 Teams Trophy last year and will be gunning to defend the title this season.
“We are very excited to get all these invites,” said Musanhu.
“In this vein, we are calling upon individuals and corporates to partner with us as we endeavour to raise the country’s flag in both competitions.”
