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Fungai Muderere, [email protected]

FORMER Highlanders midfielder Ray Lunga is feeling on top of the world after he was certified as an internationally accredited football scout on Wednesday, a day he celebrated his 31st birthday.

The pint-sized footie, who is now in the books of Gweru-based ambitious Zifa Central Division One side Sheasham, said: “I’m thrilled to share a milestone achievement. I’m delighted to announce that I’m now an International Accredited Football Scout after attaining certificates in Soccer Management and Scouting with Sports Management Worldwide (SMWWW) United States of America (USA) and Talent Identification in Football with Professional Scouts Association (PFSA) UK. As I celebrate another year of life, I’m also celebrating this new accomplishment in my journey.”

His coach at Sheasham, Lizwe Sweswe, also shared the same delight.

“This is really good. It’s a big achievement for Ray as an individual and for us as a club. Now it becomes easy to continue working with him because we now know that in the field of play, we will also be having a coach in one way or the other. It’s a development that will also help us in decision-making. I’m happy for him because he will remain relevant to the game,” said Sweswe.

Former Warriors players that include Agent Sawu and Esrom Nyandoro are some of the living football legends who have pursued a similar route.

This unique learning experience provides current and future scouts with all the latest tools they need to work at the highest standards of the profession, supported by a network of international scouting experts

Lunga, a son of former Highlanders great Gift Lunga (Snr), recently joined the Construction Boys together with his former Bosso teammate Rahman Kutsanzira.

Sheasham also landed the signature of former AmaZulu and Tsholotsho FC midfielder Butholezwe Ncube in a development that has seen him reunite with his boyhood coach Sweswe.

The former Premier Soccer League side also provides a home to Ayanda Ncube, Nixon Gama, Brian Rusinga and Kim Joe Sibanda among other experienced players who have previously worked with Sweswe.