Monomotapa midfielder Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo is this week expected to undergo trials at South African top-flight league side Ajax Cape Town. REPORT BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
Chitiyo enjoyed a fine season spiced with an appearance on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar and is likely to feature among the three best players.
Regarded as Zimbabwe’s own version of Lionel Messi due to his penetrative attacking style of play, Chitiyo’s exploits have not escaped the attention of Ajax who could sign him in January.
The 20-year-old was initially scheduled to fly to Cape Town soon after the Monoz’s Mbada Diamonds Cup final against Dynamos, but a knock on the left ankle delayed his departure.
Ajax, who have already exhausted their foreign quarter, would be forced to sacrifice at least one foreigner if Chitiyo impresses during the two-week long trial stint.
Compatriots Khama Billiat and Tafadzwa Rusike could earn European moves in January while Brazilian forward Wanderson Costa Viana and the Dutch pair of midfielder Koen van de Laak and goalkeeper Sander Westerveld are likely to stay.
Chitiyo’s manager Edzai Kasinauyo was not available for comment but the player is confident of making the grade at Ajax.
“Right now I am resting at home and recovering well from the ankle injury. I want to make sure that I go there [Ajax Cape Town] fully fit. I am not yet sure of the exact date I will leave. I am not under any pressure, football is the same everywhere and I am quite confident that I will make it,” said Chitiyo.
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The diminutive midfielder will arrive at Ajax blessed with versatility in the midfield, where he is also comfortable with the defensive linkman role.
Besides Billiat and Rusike, Ajax also have Zimbabwean assistant coach Wilfred Mugeyi in their fold.
“It is an advantage that there are some Zimbabweans at Ajax so I hope the presence of Mugeyi, Khama and Tafadzwa will help me settle down. When I was called for the Warriors in June, Khama always encouraged me to work very hard. He was very inspiring,” Chitiyo said.
In his third premiership season where he netted five times in the league and thrice in the Mbada Diamonds Cup as well as a Warriors call-up, the former Douglas Warriors player reckons the just-ended term was the best so far in his career.
