HARARE - One of Zimbabwean football’s brightest young prospects, Ronald Chitiyo, began a week-long trial with South African champions Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.

The Monomotapa midfield star will be hoping to impress Buccaneers coach Roger De Sa and his technical bench during his stint with the Soweto giants.

Chitiyo had an outstanding season with the former Zimbabwe champions last year, helping the Harare club to a credible fourth Castle Premiership finish on the final standings.

The skilful playmaker was also outstanding in the Mbada Diamonds Cup, illuminating the country’s richest knockout competition with a string of man-of-the-match performances.

The Epworth-raised midfielder consequently attracted a wide array of suitors in the Absa Premiership, prompting South Africa’s most decorated football club to give the 20-year-old an opportunity for a career-changing move.

SuperSport United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Chippa United and Ajax Cape Town are all reportedly lining up to sign one of Zimbabwe’s finest talents.

If a deal materialises, Chitiyo will join fellow Zimbabwean Takesure Chinyama at the Parktown-based club.  
The Bucs are currently fighting to defend their Absa Premiership title, seating in second place on the standings with 34 points from 16 games, a point behind bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

According to Socaladuma, the young Zimbabwean has a week to impress Pirates.

“There is a player training with the club. He came from outside the country to try his luck with the team.
He started training yesterday (Tuesday),” a source told the online publication.

“His name is Ronald. I haven’t seen much of him just yet because like I say, he started training with the team yesterday.”

The trial is being facilitated by former Zimbabwe international Edzai Kasinauyo, a leading player agent.