16/03/2026
When Mongameli "Smaller" Tshuma lit up the scene yesterday at Rufaro Stadium in the Zimbabwe derby, it brought back memories for those of us who watched him in his younger days, especially during the 2023 season, when he was already showing he was premier league material while playing for Zebra Revolution.
That year, he was the best player in the league, leading his team to promotion. The following season, he was signed by Hwange, and what he achieved in the coal mining town is a story for another day.
On this final game of the 2023 season, he tore through the Bantu Leopards defence with relative ease throughout the match and scored a carbon copy of the goal he scored against Dynamos yesterday.
Smaller is the kind of player who plays with a smile on his face, simply because he enjoys the game. That's what happens when natural talent meets opportunity, the result is a gem like him.
In the picture, Smaller is alongside his former captain, Tawanda Shenje (far left), a centre back as cool as a cucumber. Shenje captained Zebra Revolution to promotion that season and, together with Smaller, joined Hwange. Now, they have reunited at Highlanders. While Shenje may not dribble like Tshuma, when it comes to composure, leadership, and discipline at the back, he will undoubtedly be the main man.
So, what does this mean? Well, the truth of the matter is that these youngsters deserved to be playing in the premier league after the 2023 season—or even before. Recycling the same players doesn't help in player development. There is a wealth of talent in the lower divisions and junior leagues waiting to be given a chance.
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