Another Zim Teen Signs Pro Contract With An English Side

England-based Zimbabwe teenage forward Jimiel Chikukwa has become the latest Zimbabwe youngster to sign a professional contract with a top English Side after joining Watford as a free agent.

The 18-year-old joins the Hornets from Leeds United academy after impressing on trials scoring two goals, against Hull City and Crewe Alexandra’s Under 23s respectively.

He becomes the latest Zimbabwe teen to sign a professional contract with an English top side after Leeds Academy teammate Ethan Kachosa (17) who recently signed a two year professional contract with English league one side Sunderland.

Kachosa and Chikukwa are both products of UK-based Zimbabwe coach Dyson Dzapasi’s Positive Youth Empowerment Soccer school which teams up with Leeds United to develop kids in the Yorkshire region.

Chikukwa left Leeds United in the summer following the expiry of his contract and has been on the radar of several top English clubs.

The highly rated forward has been in the Leeds United development structures for the past five years and was the leading top goal scorer for Leeds Under-18s with six goals from 14 matches.

Speaking on the club website, the 18-year-old said he is delighted to join the club .

“I’m delighted, I’ve had to be really patient over the summer to get this done but I’m just buzzing that it’s happened now,” he said.

He described himself as a ball poacher and “likes to beat a man”,

“I’d say I like to run in behind,” Chikukwa said

“I’m one of those types of strikers, but also I’m a bit of a poacher, so those balls in and around the six-yard box I’m usually there.

“I’m pacey, I like to get on the ball and show what I can do, I can beat a man.” he said.

Watford are back in the English Premier League after a one year absence, winning the Championship title on their first attempt.