Five interesting things to know about 14-year-old prodigy set to transform African football

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FOOTBALL Five interesting things to know about 14-year-old prodigy set to transform African football

Festus Chuma 14:00 - 20.02.2024

Awakhiwe Tshalibe, a 14-year-old football prodigy has been registered by Chicken Inn for the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League,

Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) is no stranger to unearthing football gems but the latest sensation 14-year-old Awakhiwe Tshalibe is set to redefine the narrative of young talents in the league. 

Registered by Chicken Inn for the 2024 season, Tshalibe, a pupil at Mpopoma High School, is on the brink of making an indelible mark in Zimbabwe's top-flight football. 

Below are five interesting things to know about this budding football star.

 A young talent with great expectations

Awakhiwe Tshalibe is not your average footballer; at just 14 years old, he is already caught the eye of Chicken Inn's coach, Joey Antipas, who sees him as a prodigy with immense potential.

Having progressed through the club's junior ranks, Tshalibe's integration into the first team is a clear indication of his exceptional talent and the club's faith in his abilities.

Antipas believes in nurturing Tshalibe's skills without rushing, aiming to gradually expose him to the rigors of top-flight football. 

Balancing academics and football

Despite his early success in football, Tshalibe faces the challenge of juggling his academic commitments with his burgeoning football career.

His mother, Felitity Dube, expresses both joy and concern, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between education and football. 

This dual focus is crucial for Tshalibe's personal and professional development, ensuring he grows into a well-rounded individual on and off the pitch.

 A product of Mpopoma High School Sports Academy

Tshalibe's journey to the PSL spotlight began at Mpopoma High School Sports Academy (MPOSA), a breeding ground for football talent in Zimbabwe. 

Under the guidance of MPOSA director James Rugwevera, Tshalibe honed his skills and developed into a promising young footballer. 

MPOSA's track record of nurturing talent, including ex-Dynamos midfielder Junior Makunike, speaks volumes of the academy's role in Tshalibe's early career.

Shining at the COSAFA Schools contest

Tshalibe's talent was on full display at the Cosafa Schools contest held in Harare, where he emerged as a fan favorite while representing the Zimbabwe Under-15 side. 

His performances not only showcased his skill on the ball but also his ability to play under pressure, hinting at a bright future ahead in international competitions.

Dreaming of the English Premier League

Like many young footballers, Tshalibe harbors dreams of playing in one of the world's most prestigious football leagues – the English Premier League. 

His ambition reflects not only his personal aspirations but also the potential scouts see in him to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. 

With hard work, dedication, and the continued support of his club and academy, Tshalibe's dream may well become a reality.

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