The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ENGLAND-BORN Zimbabwean teenage starlet, Shumaira Mheuka (14) who traces his bloodline to the eastern border City of Mutare, recently signed a professional contract with English Premier League (EPL) side, Chelsea.
Mheuka chose Stamford Bridge ahead of a possible move to either Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Manchester City or Bayern Munich.
Born in England to Zimbabwean parents, the promising centre forward is also eligible to play for the Warriors despite representing the Three Lions (England) at youth level.
Shim, as Shumaira Mheuka is known in the English football circles, is the son of former Mutare Boys’ High attacking midfielder, Malcom Mheuka, who was part of the trailblazing squad that probably remains the only school team from Manicaland to lift the Copa Coca Cola Cup.
However, Shim was bought for the Under-18 to 21s development side although the talented youngster is still 14.
He was attached to Brighton and Hove Albion before his latest move.
Chelsea tried to sign him on numerous occasions, but the family resisted the move as they felt the youngster was in the right environment at Brighton and Hove Albion for him to develop.
When The Blues came again for the seventh year, this time they felt the time was ripe for the starlet to move.
Post Sports understands that most Premier League top sides and European league teams wanted his signature this summer.
The choice to settle for Chelsea is understood to have been made for logistical reasons because his young brother, Tendah is attached to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Tendah plays for Brighton Academy as well and tipped to match his brother.
Shim’s trajectory has been justified with good stats and even matching some Under-23s stats.
According to his father, Shim has always wanted to play Champions League football, therefore the latest move has made things easier.
“He still needs to learn and develop as a player, not just an ordinary player, but a world class one. Shim signed a contract that will allow him peace of mind while working towards his development. He has a lot of admirers as he is an intelligent young man off the field as well,” said his father, Malcom.
Shim is sponsored by Adidas and has done well for England’s Under-15s.
Such is the great potential in Shim that at the age of 14, the talented forward has so far played for Brighton and Hove Under-18s.
Shim has also represented England Under-15s at youth internationals where he made his debut in April and scored two goals in two appearances.
Shim’s father, Malcom was born in Dangamvura, Mutare and attained his secondary education at Mutare Boys’ High.
