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Tadious Manyepo-Youth Interactions Sports Reporter

AT just 19, Walter Vuwa is proving to be a hit in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The Ngezi Platinum Stars prodigy only made his debut in the top-flight last season under ex-coach Benjani Mwaruwaru.

But, he was still a bag of nerves given that the Mhondoro club was also struggling to make an impact in the league.

However, Vuwa, has surprised everyone including himself with a blistering start to the season which is only seven matches old.

He is one of the best performers at the Takesure Chiragwi-coached side.

The lightning-quick winger has caught the attention of many with his raids which have given the platinum miners an edge over their opponents.

With two goals and as many assists to his name, Vuwa has also made about 70 percent contribution to each goal scored by his team.

Yet, this is a boy who just three years ago, never envisioned himself playing football at this level.

Originally from Mutare, Vuwa was just a talented boy who would be enlisted at any team playing social and money-games across Manicaland Province.

He had become accustomed to this way of life and he was actually in the process of combing for other life opportunities when a usual call was made on his phone in December 2019.

Yet another team in Mutare wanted him to help out in the annual Willard Katsande tournament at Sakubva Stadium.

That was the umpteenth time he was going to participate at this fiesta.

“That was my way of life. I could play any outfield position in any team. Several clubs, mostly amateurs would always enlist my services be it in social matches or money games.

“I would do that with honour as I love the game so much,” said Vuwa.

“I started playing football when I was still young then at school, both in primary and secondary.

“So I just love the game. It’s my life. So wherever I was called to play the game I would graciously go, mostly for free”.

Little did he know, this time around, the Willard Katsande tournament would be his breakthrough.

As fate would have it, Vuwa mesmerized and won souls and hearts with his artistry.

Coincidentally, Katsande, a former Warriors captain had called in several scouts for the tournament.

With Vuwa standing out after emerging the top goal scorer at the fiesta, assessors literally fell over each other as they made inquiries.

“I was surprised to see so many people coming to me asking for my phone number. So I just thought they would want to call me to help out in tournaments just like what I had become accustomed to.

“But what struck me was that some said they wanted me to sign for their teams in the first division and even some mentioned the Premier League.

“I never took them seriously. One of the guys was Rodwell Dhlakama who was coaching Ngezi Platinum at the time.

“Just days later, Dhlakama said I should report at Ngezi Platinum the following January”.

Vuwa would first be registered with the Ngezi Platinum development side which play in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One.

“I was a capable player but I had no confidence. You know how it is like transitioning from amateur ranks to being a professional in any sphere. So my coaches committed to work on improving my confidence. I am very grateful to them.”

With his confidence, Vuwa is a bundle of energy and one of the most lethal forwards in the league. 

His dribbling ability defies his age and he, should he stay grounded, could be destined for greatness.