Chicken Inn swoop in to secure teenage talent Awakhiwe ‘Awa’ Tshalibe

Bulawayo based side Chicken Inn have made a bold move, securing the future of 14-year-old prodigy Awakhiwe ‘Awa’ Tshalibe by registering him as part of their first-team squad.

Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas revealed the strategic signing.

He told Zimpapers Sport: “He (Tshalibe) has been our junior player and we have seen it fit to register him as one of the junior players in the first team. 

“He has great potential and talent. As he goes to school, he is a player we are seeking to help him grow in the game.

Added Antipas: “He will not be rushed but nurtured in our club as we look forward to seeing him improve. He has talent that needs to be exposed early. He just needs to maintain his cool, keep his head between his shoulders.”

The pint sized attacking midfielder is a Form Two student at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo.

The Gamecocks’ swift action comes after Awa caught the eye with his dazzling performance for Zimbabwe’s U-15 side during the CAF Schools Championship held at Gateway High School in Harare in December 2023.

Tshalibe played a crucial role when the Zimbabwe U-15s won the bronze medal and US$50 000 prize money at the recent competition hosted by COSAFA.

His silky skills coupled with his bravery and passion on the field of play, earned him a fan favorite status.

Undoubtedly, fans who witnessed his magic at the regional tournament, will be thrilled by Chicken Inn’s move which is set to see him develop within the club’s ranks.

They will welcome the move taken by the former champions on Tshalibe who they monikered ‘Kadiki’ (Tiny one) due to his small body.

In one of his interviews during the CAF Schools Championship, Tshalibe said:

“My dream is to play for any big club in England. I believe I can do it if I keep working hard and keep on praying, my dream will come true.

“I am happy for the team. We wanted to win the tournament (CAF Schools) but unfortunately we did not start well, but I am happy with we finished third.”