Manhungo Balances U.S. Success With Zim Vision

Patience Muchemwa—Senior Reporter

City SC coach Tapiwa Manhungo, based in California, is building a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in youth soccer.

This summer, his U15, U14, and U12 teams delivered standout performances, collecting trophies while also earning promotion into one of the United States’ most competitive youth leagues.

Manhungo guided his squads to championship wins at the Carlsbad Cup and Coastal Classic, while finishing as runners-up at the Orange County Summer Invitational, Copa Spring Challenge, and Albion Cup. For him, these results are proof of steady progress and the payoff of discipline, hard work, and belief.

“It’s been a great summer with the boys,” Manhungo said. “We’ve worked hard, learned a lot, and shown that we can compete with the best.”

That consistency has secured promotion to the California Elite Academy League, a platform reserved for some of the strongest youth programs in the state. For Manhungo, it marks a new chapter—and a new challenge.

“The league will be tough, no doubt,” he admitted. “But the boys are in high spirits, and so am I. We’re ready for the challenge.”

While achieving success in the U.S., Manhungo remains deeply connected to his Zimbabwean roots. He is actively involved in the City SC Harare project, a grassroots initiative offering free football opportunities to underprivileged children in Mbare.

The program, led by former Dynamos goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya, reflects Manhungo’s belief that football should be a vehicle for empowerment as much as competition.

His ambitions stretch beyond club football. Manhungo has set his sights on one day coaching Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors, hoping to help the next generation of talent compete at the highest international levels.

“Coaching the Young Warriors would be a dream come true,” he said. “Zimbabwe is full of talent. My hope is to help the next generation compete at the highest levels.”

From youth tournaments in California to community projects in Harare, Manhungo’s journey is defined by persistence, growth, and vision.

As his teams rise in the U.S., his heart—and long-term mission—remain firmly tied to Zimbabwe.