The rise of "Igwe"

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Jayden "Igwe" Bakari's remarkable journey from the dusty streets of Highfields to the pinnacle of local football has captivated Zimbabweans, cementing his status as one of the country's most exciting young talents.

From humble beginnings playing "chikweshe" at Chimbumu, Bakari's dedication and natural ability propelled him to stardom, earning him a coveted spot in Dynamos' prestigious youth academy.

Bakari's professional debut for Dynamos was a fairy tale come true. "My first derby match against Caps United – I scored!" he beams. Though his time at Dynamos was brief, it served as a springboard for his career.

Bakari's move to Caps United has seen him continue to impress, scoring crucial goals and becoming a fan favorite. Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, he strives for excellence, pushing himself to the limit.

Beyond football, Bakari cherishes family support. When not training or playing, he enjoys PlayStation games. As a role model, he emphasizes discipline, hard work, and positivity. He warns against substance abuse, urging young people to focus on their goals.

"Football always comes with pressure. You need to remove fear... Let's not take illicit substances; these drugs will kill our future. Everyone has a great future ahead, but we all need to be focused to achieve our goals."

With a promising future, Bakari's ambition is clear: to become a world-class player and inspire positive change. "I want to become a great player... We can help remove bad habits and promote positive change."

Bakari's impressive credentials include,2022 Rockie of the Year (Hwahwa FC) and 2023 Chibuku Super Cup winner (Dynamos)