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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter

THE late Mick Poole’s widow, Irene, is planning to bring her grandson, Mason Whyte, for a holiday in Zimbabwe.

At only 10, Mason is currently hogging the limelight after scoring against Chelsea, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion since joining Charlton Athletic Academy in England.

He may be riding high thousands of miles away from here but his connection with Zimbabwe will always be emotional as Irene has revealed plans to visit this country with the budding footballer in tow.

Mason is grandson to Mick Poole, who left a remarkable trail in Zimbabwe when he coached Sables, Arcadia United and Dynamos.

He is also the first Warriors coach to win a major silverware for independent Zimbabwe after guiding the senior national team to the CECAFA Cup title after beating Kenya 2-0 in the final at Rufaro Stadium in October in 1985 through second-half goals by the late Gift ‘’Ghetto’’ Mpariwa and Shacky ‘’Mr. Goals’’ Tauro (late).

Poole, who died at the age of 85 in England about five months ago, is also credited for coining the name Warriors, which has become synonymous with the senior men’s national team up to this day.

He was described by former Warriors coach, Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, as a passionate mentor who helped shape the careers of many football legends in this country.

“He is one of the best coaches to have taken the helm of the national team,” said Chidzambwa.

“He coached me when I was the Warriors captain and the man loved and knew his game. “He hated to lose and he would do extraordinary things including drenching himself in the water if you failed to perform to his expectations. He was so passionate about the game. I am yet to see that; he is one of those people you cannot easily compare with anyone else.”

While his name will always be associated with the history of this country’s football, Poole’s widow, Irene, cannot easily forget the remarkable journey her husband travelled in the football trenches in this country, especially after her grandson Mason’s move to Charlton Athletic Under-11s.

“My grandson has signed a contract with Charlton Athletic Football Academy Under-11’s.  We are all so proud of him because he has worked hard from about the age of four, putting his heart and soul into the sport he dearly loves,” said Irene.

“His ‘Papa’, Mick Poole, would have been totally thrilled and so proud.  We often watched his matches from that young age and both felt he had a talent for the game. His parents have made this happen, particularly his dad Tony with his tireless commitment over the last six years – taking him to training six days a week and then matches once or twice a week.

‘’Mason’s love for the game is a replica of his grandfather’s love for it when we lived in Zimbabwe. He (Mason) knows that he has to work even harder now to achieve his dream of becoming a great footballer.

“I hope to bring him to Zimbabwe for a sunny holiday in the near future,” said Irene, who used to coach the women’s basketball team at Morgan High School in Harare in the 1980s.

She said Mason knows about Zimbabwe and is so particularly interested in visiting Rufaro Stadium where Poole made his name as a football coach in his heydays.

“He (Mason) is so anxious to visit particularly Rufaro Stadium where his ‘Papa’ (Poole) shone with his teams from Sables to Arcadia United/Callies to Tornadoes to Dynamos to the Young Warriors and finally the Zimbabwe senior national team.”

Mason is son to the Poole’s daughter, Shasta Whyte, who is equally thrilled to see her son follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

“It means the world to us as he (Mason) is following in my father’s footsteps as a passionate and competitive football player,” she said.

“Mason is currently 10-years-old and in his fifth year at school.

“He has signed a contract to play for Charlton Athletic Under-11 side. Mason has already played against Chelsea, Fulham, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion, just to name but a few, scoring in each match. He plays wing and is very fast.”

And young Mason could not hide his excitement after signing for Charlton Athletic’s Under-11 side last week.

‘’After a tough trial, which included fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea X2, Brighton, Fulham, Ipswich, Plymouth and West Brom, I managed to achieve something I didn’t think was possible and sign for Charlton Athletic.

‘’I have so many people to thank but first I would like to thank God for answering my prayers,’’ Mason said on Instagram.

Mason is highly technical and is being developed as a winger although he is also equally home playing the creative roles.