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Ray Mungoshi in BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa
BLESSED Maposa is not someone Zimbabwean football knows but, maybe, someone whose name will ring a bell soon.

The 12-year-old Prince Edward Form One student, standing a mere 1,2 metres, boasts an array of dribbling and ball skills that mesmerised thousands of football fans who flocked to Brebner High School here last weekend.

The diminutive midfielder waltzed past bigger opponents during the three-day tournament as he helped his team claim the top prize in the Under-15 category at the Nedbank-sponsored tourney.

“When I grow up, I want to be a soccer player. I want to play for Manchester City,” Maposa said after starring in the final.

Prince Edward beat the fancied Clapham High School with its clutch of Mamelodi Sundowns academy players 1-0 in a titanic final of contrasting styles.

While the Zimbabwean team, blessed with a string of sturdy ball players, displayed a pass-and-move style, their opponents were content with hoofing the ball forward and hoping for the best.

“We love to play a passing game. Short, fast break attack. That is how we nurture our boys,” coach and English teacher Norman Taruvinga said.

This was his sixth trip to South Africa’s judicial capital with a series of teams he has assembled in the last seven years.

In his time — and indeed before him — Prince Edward has produced a number of footballers who have gone on to showcase their skills on higher stages in Zimbabwe and abroad.

The likes of Tinotenda Kadewere, Tatenda Mukuruva and Ian Gorowa cut their footballing teeth on the hallowed pitches at the corner of Prince Edward and Lawson avenues in Harare.

The school’s ability to balance academic achievement with prowess on the sports field won it plaudits at the annual Brebner High School tournament.

Spectators, including the vociferous posse of Grey College High School parents, were cheering PE at the end of their semi-final match forsaking their own children, thanks to the silky silks of Maposa and his midfield partner Prince Nyaude.

Nyaude, 13, picked up the player-of-the-tournament award after stellar performances in five of the six matches his side played.

“The Zimbabweans have come here and shown our boys how football must be played.

“Whereas most local teams were just lumping it forward, these chaps know the basics and how to play,” said Grey College supporter Tembani Ngqeza.

Takawira grudgingly accepted the plaudits though he insisted the best was yet to come from his charges.

“This is pre-season for us as the soccer season only starts in May.”

PE, which scouts talent across the country, has an impressive team with the likes of Tanaka Rambanapasi, Pound Nyasha, Prince Magondo, Calvin Hamadziripi, Mufaro Huchu, Isaac Thondhlana, Masimba Kwatara, Malcolm Mupamhanga, Ryan Sibaya and Junior Makunike — nephew of the late Warriors stalwart Blessing “Yogo Yogo” Makunike — in their team.

“This was a great trip and tournament but it was too expensive for some of us,” said Maposa.

Each player paid $300 to make the 3000 km round road trip, a princely amount to the bulk of the PE side whose roots are in townships like Mabvuku and Warren Park.