Rising football star Clint Kawocha dreams big
By Auther Chimbgwa
There are many young, promising football players in Zimbabwe.
But one young player who stands out from the rest is 12-year-old Clint Kawocha, a Harare based football protégé who plays for Divine Academy in Highlands.
A deadly left winger, Clint can use both legs to effect.
The rising star started playing soccer when he was in Grade 4 at Highlands Junior School in Harare.
“I started playing soccer when I was very young, perhaps two years old,” a beaming Clint told Zimstar News.
“I then started taking soccer seriously when I was in Grade 4 at Highlands Junior School in 2021 when I started playing for the B side. By the time I reached Grade 5, I was already being picked to play in the A side.”
Clint’s former coach, Elton Takudzwa Mutambara, now sports director at Highlands Junior School, sees a lot of potential in Clint’s raw talent.
“Even Marvellous Nakamba (England based Zimbabwe Warriors midfielder) was spellbound by the skills that the young boy displayed. Nakamba was the guest of honour at Hellenics in 2023 on June 13.
“I vividly recall, when he watched Clint dazzle the spectators with his out of the world soccer skills.”
A staunch supporter of Manchester United, Clint is an admirer of Bruno Fernandes and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid.
“I am so amazed by Bellingham even though I do not support Real Madrid. He is one of the best players I have ever seen,” Clint says excitedly.
Clint is son to Macdonald Kawocha and a senior police officer Juliana Masawi who both pride themselves with the budding footballer.
“Soccer runs in Clint’s blood. In fact, when I was 6 weeks pregnant, the doctor told me that I was carrying a hyperactive child. That is probably what he meant. I will stand by Clint through thick and thin in his footballing career,” says Masawi.
The sister to Clint’s mother, Nolleen Masawi, who once lived with him in Mutoko where she is a primary school teacher says Clint is endowed with silky footballing skills.
“He is a joy to watch on the field of play,” she says.
Clint attended Highlands Junior School up to Grade 6 before transferring to Kadyamadare primary school in Juru Growth Point to complete primary school.
An equally bright pupil, Clint was spotted by football scouts who shortlisted him for a scholarship in the United States of America because of his excellent skills.
“I was selected for a scholarship to go to America with my school mate, Takanda Nyika. I will use the chance to improve my skills if it succeeds,” says the young footballer.
Clint is now a Form One student at Borrowdale Academy where he is expected to continue improving his skills.
Apart from playing soccer, the speedy left winger is besotted with athletics. He also loves reading sports articles in the press.
His favourite meal is rice and chicken.
“I wish to play overseas especially for Manchester United,” says the star, who gets a lot of inspiration from watching Scottland FC’s Khama Billiat.
