Zimbabwean rising star Cobert Chimedza signs for Portuguese top-flight side Gil Vicente

TAWANDA CHARI 

20-year-old Cobert Chimedza Junior has put pen to paper on a multi-year deal with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente, becoming the first Zimbabwean player to secure a contract in Portugal's top-flight since independence.

Born and raised in Harare, Chimedza's football journey took a decisive turn when he relocated to the United Kingdom at the age of 14. Standing tall and commanding in the attacking third, the towering forward lit up the English lower divisions with a prolific run at MK Dons development team—scoring an impressive 18 goals in just 15 appearances.

His exploits did not go unnoticed. Former Warriors coach Zdravko Logarušić was quick to heap praise on the youngster during his tenure, boldly describing Chimedza as "a potential world star" and tipping him for international stardom.

Chimedza's path to Europe’s elite leagues was nearly realized a year earlier when Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor came calling. 

However, the deal fell through at the last minute following the unexpected sacking of then head coach, Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert. The disappointment did little to deter Chimedza, who continued to grind and sharpen his craft.

Now, with this landmark move to Gil Vicente, Chimedza stands on the cusp of not only representing Zimbabwe on the European stage but also inspiring a new generation of aspiring footballers back home.

All eyes will now be on the young striker as he embarks on what promises to be a defining chapter in his blossoming career.