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Zimbabwean linked striker makes Chelsea debut in Conference League victory
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Highly-rated Zimbabwean linked striker Shumaira Mheuka, 17, made a significant step in his budding football career, debuting for Chelsea's senior team during their 3-1 victory over Astana in the UEFA Conference League. The teenager came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, marking a memorable milestone in his journey with the Blues.
Mheuka's rise has been nothing short of meteoric since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion after his Under-14s season. Demonstrating remarkable talent, he quickly progressed through the club’s academy ranks, earning his place in the Under-18 squad while still a schoolboy. In the 2023/24 season, Mheuka tallied an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Under-18s across all competitions, including a standout performance at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.
His international career has been equally promising. Mheuka played a crucial role for England in the European Under-17 Championship, scoring in their opener against Spain. He further impressed with the Under-19s this year, finding the net against France and the Netherlands in his first call-up at that level.
Since transitioning to a full-time scholar at Chelsea in the summer, Mheuka has been a pivotal figure for the club's Under-21s. Earlier this season, he scored his first goal for the squad in a dominant 6-0 win over Fulham in Premier League 2.
Despite his youth, Mheuka has shown versatility and maturity on the pitch. While primarily a central striker, he has displayed the ability to hold up possession and adapt to different roles, including playing as a second striker behind a traditional No. 9.
Mheuka’s debut is a testament to Chelsea’s faith in his potential, and it offers a glimpse of what could be a bright future for the Zimbabwean talent. As he continues to grow and gain experience, football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as Mheuka seeks to establish himself at the highest level.
Mheuka's rise has been nothing short of meteoric since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion after his Under-14s season. Demonstrating remarkable talent, he quickly progressed through the club’s academy ranks, earning his place in the Under-18 squad while still a schoolboy. In the 2023/24 season, Mheuka tallied an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Under-18s across all competitions, including a standout performance at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.
His international career has been equally promising. Mheuka played a crucial role for England in the European Under-17 Championship, scoring in their opener against Spain. He further impressed with the Under-19s this year, finding the net against France and the Netherlands in his first call-up at that level.
Despite his youth, Mheuka has shown versatility and maturity on the pitch. While primarily a central striker, he has displayed the ability to hold up possession and adapt to different roles, including playing as a second striker behind a traditional No. 9.
Mheuka’s debut is a testament to Chelsea’s faith in his potential, and it offers a glimpse of what could be a bright future for the Zimbabwean talent. As he continues to grow and gain experience, football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as Mheuka seeks to establish himself at the highest level.
Source - online
