Football
Simba Mushati, Special to ESPN 5y

Zimbabwe wonderkid Tatenda Tumba guns for Chibuku Cup

Exciting Harare City starlet Tatenda Tumba only managed an injury-time appearance as his team won a second Chibuku Super Cup trophy last year, and it is a measure of the progress he has made since then that he will start Sunday's clash against Triangle as one of the players to watch.

City are looking to win their third Chibuku Super Trophy in five seasons, but standing in the way are an experienced and compact Triangle side who are hoping to use home advantage to land a first major title.

Apart from reaching Sunday's showpiece, Triangle have impressed in the league where they currently sit fourth.

City have also not fared too badly in the league either, with wonderkid Tumba enjoying a stellar campaign under Mark Harrison.

The 19-year-old's form has peaked in recent weeks as he netted two goals along with a further two assists in his last four appearances to provide further evidence that there is more to his play that just style.

Tumba was among a handful of key City players rested for the 2-0 loss to Highlanders last Sunday as coach Mark Harrison looked ahead to the final at Gibbo Stadium, where the Warriors prospect is expected to provide the creative spark in the final third.

Speaking to KweséESPN this week, Tumba credited Harrison for his resurgence after a testing 2017 campaign under former City boss Philani Ncube.

"God has been doing wonders for me," Tumba said. "I think we have a good coach and he knows what I can do best. He has faith in me.

"I have also been working hard, doing some extra work at home, and I think that helped me to improve my game this season.

"Last season was a bit difficult for me, and I only came on in injury-time during the Chibuku Cup final," he added. "I didn't even touch the ball."

The Chemhanza Academy product, whose progress is being closely monitored by Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa, should start on his favoured right flank, where his skill, vision and sudden bursts of speed can wreck havoc for the opposition defence.

He's far from being the only threat in the City line-up, with William Manondo once again thriving in the Chibuku Cup with a goal in each of the first three rounds.

Harrison is likely to start the experienced Kuda Musharu in the centre-forward role ahead of the youthful Wilfred Muvirimi, while Mathew Muchenje should also take his place behind the front three.

Tumba's Chemhanza High School teammate Learnmore Muyambo should fill the anchorman position despite a couple of shaky performances in recent weeks. In central defence, Harrison seems more comfortable with the partnership of Hastings Chapusha and Raymond Uchena.

Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro however has his own match winners, with FC Platinum-bound attacker Lameck Nhamo likely to be motivated to produce his best in his last major outing for the Sugar Boys.

With experienced options such as Ralph Kawondera, Pascal Manhanga, Collins Dhuwa, Russel Madamombe and Phineas Bamusi in a crowded midfield, Mangwiro clearly has the personnel to cause enough problems for City on Sunday.

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