Nathan Mutasa, the son of socialite Pokello Nare, has been backed to silence critics after his surprise inclusion in Zimbabwe’s 2025 COSAFA Cup squad. The 21-year-old winger from Scottland FC replaced Dynamos star Vusa Ngwenya in the final squad — a move that sparked online outrage and speculation.
“He Will Prove Critics Wrong”: Gama Backs Mutasa
Veteran journalist and Harare City spokesperson Stanley Gama, a family friend who has known Nathan Mutasa since childhood, defended the young winger’s inclusion.
“I don’t know why there is so much noise about Nathan being included in the COSAFA squad.
“I have known the boy since he was a toddler and I have seen his growth in football, while playing and training with my son. He will prove critics wrong.”
Surprise call-up sparks storm
Mutasa was not in the initial list announced by Warriors coach Michael Nees. His addition was quietly revealed via a now-deleted Scottland FC post and later confirmed by ZBC.
“The Warriors technical team has called up 21-year-old Scotland midfielder Nathan Mutasa to join the 2025 COSAFA Cup squad, replacing Dynamos’ Vusa Ngwenya,” revealed a ZBC update.
No official reason was provided for Ngwenya’s sudden exclusion. Meanwhile, pictures of Mutasa in full Warriors regalia at Robert Mugabe International Airport quickly made the rounds online — triggering a torrent of reactions.
A heavy legacy to carry
Mutasa’s football journey has often been overshadowed by his famous lineage. Some fans feel his inclusion is more about who his mother is, rather than what he’s done on the pitch.
“Maybe it’s overshadowing his own identity,” wrote Nehanda Radio journalist Tafadzwa Chigandiwa.
“He is an average player. But the potential is there. He only needs to push himself.”
Scottland FC coach Tonderai Ndiraya was recently grilled for consistently starting Mutasa ahead of teammates like Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Michael Tapera — even after quiet performances in key matches.
Despite the criticism, Gama is urging patience and belief in the youngster.
“When he properly gels into the Scottland FC system of play, he will be devastating,” he tweeted.
“I trust him to succeed and I hope the Cosafa tournament will bring out the Nathan I know.”
COSAFA Cup kicks off
The COSAFA Cup runs from 4 to 14 June 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Zimbabwe is in Group A alongside Mauritius, Mozambique, and the hosts.
Mutasa’s call-up is his first senior national cap, having last featured for Zimbabwe at under-17 level. Junior coach Simon Marange will lead the Warriors side during the tournament.
As debate rages on, all eyes will be on Mutasa to prove himself on the pitch.
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The post He Will Prove Critics Wrong: Pokello’s Son Nathan Mutasa Backed To Succeed Amid Warriors Controversy appeared first on iHarare News.
