By Daniel Nhakaniso
Leon Chiwome says his long injury battle has only strengthened his determination to establish himself at Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Zimbabwe-eligible forward looks to reignite a career once tipped for Premier League stardom.
The 20-year-old Brighton-born young striker has led the line in Wolves’ opening pre-season fixtures against Estoril and Maidenhead United, marking an encouraging return after two injury-hit years threatened to derail his progress.
Chiwome, who qualifies to represent Zimbabwe through his father, made his Premier League debut in 2024 before successive ankle and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries halted his momentum.
Now back in full training, the highly rated young striker admits simply being back on the pitch has been a major boost.
“It’s so much better. When you’re stuck in the gym watching everyone else playing games, you get a bit down,” Chiwome told the West Midlands club’s official podcast Wolves Express.
“Getting back into the normal routine of training and playing is such a good feeling.
“I’m just trying to take it day by day and get my fitness back like everyone else, but especially for me because I’ve had quite a few injuries over the last couple of years. I’m just trying to prove myself.”
Despite signing a long-term contract with Wolves in June 2024 after breaking into the first team, Chiwome’s development stalled following first a serious ankle injury and then an ACL rupture in January 2025.
He said his brief taste of Premier League football remains the standard he is striving to reach again.
“Two years ago was probably the best time of my life, playing in the Premier League and stuff like that,” he said.
“I’m trying to get back to that level and achieve that as soon as possible. I’m just going to take it one step at a time and everything will come back.”
Wolves’ relegation to the Championship and the appointment of new head coach Cesar Peixoto have offered Chiwome a fresh opportunity to impress, with several academy graduates featuring prominently during pre-season.
The forward believes the Portuguese coach has given the club’s younger players a genuine chance to stake their claim.
“When you get relegated and a new manager comes in, he’s going to look at all the options,” Chiwome said.
“I feel he’s really given us a chance. He’s taken us in and treated us like any other player and given us the opportunity. It’s just down to us to take it.”
Although he was unable to open his fiest team tally during the opening friendlies despite creating several good opportunities, Chiwome remains encouraged by his performances.
“I had a couple of good chances. On another day I’d probably take three or four of them,” he said.
“The positives are I’m getting into those areas and the chances are coming. I’ve just got to keep working on the training ground.”
Chiwome also welcomed the opportunity to learn from experienced striker Raúl Jiménez, who has returned to Wolves this summer.
“He’s got bags of experience in the Premier League and has just been playing at the World Cup,” Chiwome said.
“It’ll be amazing to learn from him, pick things up and take his advice.”