The Sunday Mail
FORMER Dynamos goalkeeper George Chigova has thrown his weight behind the budding Tatenda Mukuruva following the youngster’s impressive showing for the champions over the past two weeks.
The teenager last weekend kept a clean sheet as Dynamos picked three vital points at Sakubva, exactly a week after doing commendably well in the NetOne One Wallet Cup final which his team lost to Triangle after a penalty shoot-out.
Although Mukuruva can for now contend with deputising for Artwell Mukandi — who is the undisputed first choice — the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed by Chigova.
The Supersport United goalkeeper last week took to Facebook to hail the 18-year-old following his impressive show against Buffaloes.
“Well done, Tatenda Mukuruva, keep working hard young man. I’m really proud of you boy, just keep your head down, #salute The best is yet to come sky is the limit. God bless you,” posted Chigova.
Chigova, who himself also burst onto the scene as a raw teenager with Gunners, went on to tell The Sunday Mail that Mukuruva has the potential to become a Warriors number one goalkeeper.
“He is doing very well. He just needs to stay focused on his game and continue working hard. That way, I have no doubt that the sky can only be his limit.
“The few games that he has played at a high pressure team like Dynamos have proved that he has so much potential. Tatenda should just continue believing in himself.
“His all-round performance is very good, but he stands out in hard shot stopping and ball distribution, which is an aspect that lacks in many goalkeepers.
“Having managed to make such an impression in his teens, there is no doubt that he is one for the future and I foresee him taking his game beyond the borders of Zimbabwe,” said the imposing goalie.
Dynamos coach Kallisto Pasuwa, whose goalkeeping department appeared lightweight after Chigova was snapped up by Supersport, is no longer losing sleep in the absence of the dependable Mukandi as he knows he can call on the services of Mukuruva.
Turning to his situation, Chigova, who is yet to make his debut for the Pretoria-based side, said he will continue working hard as he awaits his chance.
“Hard work is the key in whatever I do. I am confident that if I continue on this path, very soon I will be rewarded,” he said.
The former Dynamos net-minder has played second fiddle to highly-rated 22-year-old Ronwen Williams.
However, Williams has been linked with a move away from Supersport, with German Bundesliga giants FC Schalke 04 as well as Hannover 96 said to have shown interest.
