Zim Starlet Makes Waves in Us

ZIMBABWEAN youth internationals continue to shine, with the latest being Legends Academy prodigy Ralph Mangondoza, who is making waves in American college football.

He is in his final year at Tyler Junior College and has impressed in his last two seasons.

In his first year, he played a major role, in helping the team win their National Junior College Athletics Association League Regional Championship.

This season, the 21-year-old striker, has produced some fine performances and helped his side achieve a second NJCAA Regional Championship.

Before leaving for the United States, Mangondoza had the option to join local clubs but opted for college football.

“Playing here, at TJC, has been an amazing experience, so far,” he told The Herald.

“It has exposed me to many different players, from all over the world, and exposed me to a healthy, competitive environment that allows great room, for improvement, as a footballer.

“Being here has also allowed me the opportunity to work towards my academic degree while, simultaneously, playing at a high level that can lead to me being signed professionally.”

He was the team’s second highest goal-scorer, in this year’s championship run, and has impressed football scouts, and his college coach, Shaun Stocker.

“Ralph is a fantastic lad, who shows maturity way beyond his years, I have seen him develop quickly,” said Stocker.

“He is an attacking player that provides depth to the squad seeing that he is comfortable playing either on the left, right or up top, as the main striker.

“His natural ability on the ball with both feet, natural strength, blistering speed, coupled with his determination and hunger to be the best at all times will, undoubtedly, lead him to where he desires to be in his career.”

Mangondoza’s former coach at Legends Academy, Farai Dhliwayo, said he was never in doubt about Ralph’s pedigree.

“Ralph is a special type of player, who is technically gifted, mentally strong and physically fit.

“He embodies the type of player we try to produce at Legends Football Academy.

“I remember with pride, a tournament we held in 2018, where the ZIFA technical director, Wilson Mutekede, was guest of honour.

“In the tournament Ralph played in the first match and suffered a horrible kick to the face, which completely split his lip and inner cheek — there was blood everywhere.

“The boy was so driven that he went to hospital, refused anaesthesia, got stitches on his lip and returned to play a starring role in the finals of the tournament, which we won,” Dhliwayo said.

The striker was part of a Legends Academy class that included Cape Town City newboy, Douglas Mapfumo.

“It is my dream to bring my talents back home and ensure the Zimbabwean team reaches the heights the nation’s fans demand,” said Mapfumo.

“I am friends with Marshal Munetsi and he motivates and mentors me in my career and I hope to one day play with him and for the national team.”

Mapfumo is hoping to make his DStv Premiership bow on Saturday when Cape Town City host Kaitano Tembo’s SuperSport United at Athlone.

He made his debut for the Citizens last Sunday night, with a cameo role, as Cape Town City upstaged AmaZulu 2-1, in the MTN8 quarter-final.

By Herald.