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Midlands Correspondent
TEENAGE sensation Blessing Sibanda has plucked himself from relative obscurity to become one of the leading lights in the Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) where he is the leading goal scorer with 12 goals.

The 18-year-old Gweru United forward, who is in his maiden season, has remained grounded despite taking the league by storm. “I give all the credit to my coach (Peter Manoti) for showing confidence in me as well as the other young players in the team. I play to enjoy myself, which is what the coach has told me and I’ve found it easier to score,” said Sibanda.

“I’ve set myself a target of scoring in all the remaining five matches and want to finish the season with at least 18 goals,” said the former Ascot High schoolboy, who is now eyeing a move to one of the Premiership sides.

Manoti said the young man has a bright future if he remains focused.

“The boy has a bright future and has age on his side. He is a hard worker with pace and power which are attributes of a good striker, and for a disciplined youngster like him, if he continues like that he is destined for dizzy heights,” said Manoti. “However, he still needs to work on his technical abilities for him to be sharp and improve his conversion rate. If he works on that I see him in the next two years playing abroad.”

Manoti is credited for nurturing Chicken Inn goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Nelson Maziwisa and the Chapungu duo of centre back Blessing Mbavarira and Charles Mabiza, among others.

Results

ZRP Beitbridge 3-0 Sable Chemicals, Silo United 3-0 Mvuma Stars, Ivan Hoe 1-1 Gweru United, Tongogara 0-0 ZPC Munyati, Border Strikers 0-0 Shabanie Mine, Vumbachikwe 2-3 MSU, FC Platinum U19 3-0 Chrome Stars, Blanket Mine 0-2 ZETDC