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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

ONLY weeks after joining Charlton Athletic Academy’s Under-11 football side, 10-year-old Mason Whyte has already put an early marker as he continues to shine for the nursery team in England. 

Mason is grandson of the late ex-Warriors gaffer Mick Poole. 

Scoring in each game against Chelsea, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion since his arrival, Mason this weekend was moved from the flank and thrusted into the centre.

And, he still showed he could become a top striker after netting a hat-trick against Crystal Palace, on Sunday. 

His versatility, at his young age, has charmed many at Charlton. 

His grandmother, Irene Poole, told The Herald yesterday Mason was over the moon after his latest feat. 

“The team — Charlton Athletic — played at home against Crystal Palace and both teams fielded really strong teams,” she said.  

“Mason showed his versatility playing centre forward rather than his normal position on the wing. 

“He played brilliantly scoring all three goals when they beat Crystal Palace 3-1. 

“He was ecstatic after the game as were his parents and little brother Blake who watched the game. We are all so proud of him. 

“He is showing a great work ethic putting more than 100 per cent into his game. 

“He knows that he has to continue with his hard work if he wants to build a great football career.” 

Irene is the widow of Mick, whose success story with the national squad will remain etched in the minds of many Zimbabweans.

He was the first coach to win silverware with the Warriors in independent Zimbabwe when he bagged the 1985 CECAFA Cup on home soil. 

He attained the feat with the likes of Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa and Peter Nyama, who were his assistant coaches. 

Japhet “Shortcat” Mparutsa, the late Shacky Tauro, Joel “Jubilee” Shambo (late), Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa and the late Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma, were among his players. 

Poole, who died at the age of 85 in England six months ago, is also credited with coining the nickname of the senior national team. 

Mason is being touted as one for the future.