SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD FC Academy product Calvin Chigara has received praise from TelOne FC coach Herbert Maruwa after an impressive debut for the Gweru-based side, albeit in a losing cause.
TelOne, who were one of the big spenders during the off-season transfer period, began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Harare side Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday.
TelOne brought in several top players such as former Dynamos captain Frank Makarati as well as Bruno Mtigo, Leeroy Murape, Tawanda Macheke, Nigel Makumbe, Jerry Chipangura, Tadiwa Mambudzi and Chigara, among others.
The team is tipped to fight for the title after flirting with relegation for the better part of last season.
Despite his young age, Chigara sparkled in midfield for TelOne, a performance that caught the eye of coach Maruwa.
"Not taking away from the collective effort of the team, I think all the boys played very well despite not collecting the points that we needed. But I was very impressed by the way our young midfielder, Calvin Chigara, played considering it was his first game in the premier league," Maruwa told journalists.
"For someone who is just 16 to be able to have composure and energy to play for the entire game is very encouraging and good for our football.
"With the experience I have had in my coaching career, especially with young players, I am very positive that if the boy continues to apply what we are teaching him in training, he can be one of the best midfielders.
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Warriors get down to business
- DeMbare look beyond derby
Keep Reading
"He has the ability and chance to develop into a top player for the league and possibly play for our Young Warriors in the future,” he said.
Revered for his trust in young players, Maruwa last year introduced a 19-year-old Allan Chapinduka who was eventually crowned 2024 Premier Soccer League Rookie of the Year.
With Chigara, Maruwa is sure he has unearthed another gem.
The young star who is one of the seven products of FC Porto who are playing in the topflight league this season gave the Students midfielders a difficult time, creating several scoring opportunities which the forwards failed to utilise.
The Wi-FI Boys finished 10th on the log table last season with 42 points, six above relegation and will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Herentals when they host league returnees Triangle at Ascot Stadium on Saturday.
