Zim prodigy makes Euro breakthrough

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

EIGHTEEN-year-old Prosper Padera has made a significant breakthrough in Europe after landing a four-year deal with Finnish top-flight side Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho (SJK).

This is Padera’s first professional contract having been waiting for the legal age while on a 100 percent scholarship in England.

The midfielder, who was MAJESA Academy’s mainstay in their triumph in the Marvellous Nakamba Foundation tournament in Bulawayo two years ago, was taken to Europe by PrimeTime Academy.

He will be looking to have a fruitful maiden season when the Finnish Premiership season starts next year.

SJK finished fourth in the recently-ended season and they clipped a place in the UEFA Conference League where the talented Zimbabwean star will be looking to participate.

Padera expressed optimism he will establish himself in the team.

“I am excited to be joining a club here in Finland,” Padera said.

“I would like to thank everyone involved. I am here to express myself, work hard, and then see what comes next. This is my first professional contract and obviously, I am very happy.

“Before joining MAJESA, I was somewhere else and I would like to thank God. I also salute my stable PrimeTime Academy for facilitating this move. It’s a dream move and a possible game-changer in my football career. I will work very hard and the dream will be to play for the national team and do more for myself and the country.

“I love football and I will keep working hard. The idea is to work hard and then get to reap the fruits. I am happy to be here and can’t wait for the season to start.”

After seeing their first product getting a professional contract in Europe at the age of just 18, Primetime Academy will be looking to get more players to join the bandwagon.

The team currently has a club playing in the second division.

Academy director Dexter Blackstock said Padera’s move will open the doors for others and he expressed confidence the youngster will do wonders.

“Through PrimeTime Academy we are bridging the gap between Zimbabwe players and football clubs in Europe. So we know the desire that players have of going to Europe and we are helping them achieve those dreams,” said Black-stock.

“Madera is a very good player, he is a midfielder and his nickname is Kante. No doubt he will be a Zimbabwe national team player in the future.”