Zimbabwe Warriors prospect Shumaira Mheuka delivered a statement performance in England after scoring a superb hat-trick as Chelsea Under-21s stormed past Crystal Palace U21s in a thrilling Premier League 2 clash at Cobham.
The young striker, who continues to attract attention from Zimbabwe football followers, led from the front as Chelsea recovered from a goal down to claim a convincing 4–1 victory, lifting them to third place on the league table.
Chelsea dominated much of the first half but went into the break goalless. The Blues were stunned early in the second half when Palace’s David Obou tapped in from close range. However, the response was immediate and emphatic.
Leo Cardoso levelled matters within minutes before Mheuka took complete control of the contest. The Chelsea captain fired home powerfully after being set up by Reggie Walsh to put the hosts ahead, before heading in Genesis Antwi’s cross to make it 3–1. He then completed his hat-trick in style deep into stoppage time, volleying home Walsh’s audacious chipped pass to cap a dominant individual display.
It was a performance full of maturity, movement and finishing quality, exactly the traits Zimbabwe’s senior national team has been keenly tracking.
Mheuka is among a growing list of players of Zimbabwean heritage playing abroad whom ZIFA has been actively engaging. Last year, the association led a delegation to the United Kingdom to speak with eligible players as part of efforts to strengthen the Warriors pool.
The hope is that players with dual citizenships such as Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Sean Fusire, Jonah Fabisch, Macauley Bonne, Tendayi Darikwa, Tivonge Rushesha, Marley Tavaziva, Kundai Benyu and others who committed to Zimbabwe can inspire the next generation.
For now, Mheuka’s focus remains on football development at club level, but performances like this will only intensify calls for him to wear the Warriors jersey sooner rather than later.
Leave a Reply