Rising star eager to represent Zim

Rising Zimbabwean football star Shingirai Mandizwidza has underlined his desire to establish himself as a top footballer and return home to feature for his motherland Zimbabwe.

“One day coming back home and representing my native land is something that I have always had in my mind. Having begun my football journey back in Zim I think it would only be prudent to one day give back by representing my country”.

Mandizwidza left Zimbabwe at 12 years of age and featured prominently at Winchendon high School where he established himself as a top forward. Mandizwidza is now preparing for the College football season which gets underway in 2 months time, “My main focus at the moment is to prepare well and make sure that the coaches see my capabilities so I will give it my best shot when the season starts”.

Before moving to the United States, the 21-year-old budding star played junior football at Black Mambas for 2 years before also having a stint with the now defunct Mushowani Stars at junior level.

Nicknamed Shingi Kawondera during his days back home, Mandizwidza is hoping to follow in the footsteps of footballers such as Shingi Kawondera, Knowledge Musona and Peter Ndlovu by turning professional and securing a contract at a European club.

Having grown up a Liverpool and Barcelona fan, Shingirai has great admiration for Lionel Messi as well as Steven Gerard who has since moved onto a managerial career after hanging up his boots.

Apart from football, Mandizwidza has also proven to be a top athlete, competing in the 100 and 200 metre track events.