Zimbabwe-born and Swansea City teenage defender Tivonge Rushesha has been named the club’s Under-23 Player of the Season after an impressive comeback season from a nasty career-threatening injury.
The 19-year-old right-back was one of the big winners at the EFL Championship club’s annual awards dinner.
In a statement on their official website, Swansea City described Rushesha as a deserved winner of the accolade after a solid season as captain of the club’s U23 side.
The gifted young Zimbabwean also won the same award in 2020.
“Captain Tivonge Rushesha picked up the under-23 Player of the Season award for his leadership and performances in a development side also adjusting to a new system and style of play. It is a challenge he has risen to with maturity and poise,” the club said.
The Zimbabwean starlet was recently given some extra responsibility at Swansea City after being handed the captaincy duties at the club’s Under-23 side in February.
Our first award of the evening is Under-23 Player of the Season 🏆
Congratulations, @Tivonge_r! 👏
Sponsored by Swansea Decorating Services. pic.twitter.com/UfcoeAACGy
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) May 3, 2022
Rushesha, a Wales Under-19 international, was born in Zimbabwe but moved to Britain as a youngster. He has come through Swansea’s academy ranks to being on the fringes of the first team.
The 19-year-old plays mostly as a right-back but has in recent months shown his versatility after featuring in some matches as a central defender.
Having impressed for Swansea’s development side his season, Rushesha will now hope to catch the eye of Russell Martin in the coming months ahead of the new season.
There is also a possibility that he could be sent out on loan as he seeks regular first team football at a crucial stage in his development.
The highly-rated Rushesha made his first-team debut for Swansea City made his senior debut for Swansea in the EFL Cup two years ago at the age of 17, making him one of the youngest players ever to appear for Swansea City first team.
His career however suffered a major setback after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him on the side-lines for 10 months.
Rushesha however returned to full fitness this season to claim back his position and captained the team with maturity.
Although Rushesha has played for Wales’ national age-group teams, he has previously expressed his desire to be part of the Warriors in the future.