England-born Zimbabwean defender Shane Maroodza has signed his first professional contract at English Championship side Huddersfield Town.
The 17-year-old starlet, who is currently part of the Huddersfield Under-19 team, signed a two-and-half year contract which will keep him at the club until at least June 2024.
Huddersfield Academy manager Emyr Humphreys said: “Shane has been an impressive addition to our Club both on and off the field since signing, with an attitude and passion for the game and to better himself that he should be proud of.
“Having made the jump to Under-19s level this season, he is a player that we see being able to transition to B Team level and further progress at the Club, with such a huge potential to improve and excel at left-back.”
Proud moment for me and my family to have signed my first professional contract @htafc #Terrier pic.twitter.com/G9V9Xq9NNm
— Shane Maroodza (@MaroodzaShane) December 23, 2021
Maroodza, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents qualifies him to represent the Southern African country at junior levels. He signed for Huddersfield in 2020 as a free agent after leaving the Leicester City academy, which has produced other Zimbabwean players such as Admiral Muskwe and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Signed in 2020 as a free agent having left the Leicester City academy, as well as progressing on the field, Maroodza has also shone off it, working toward two A Levels as part of his education programme with the Club, which is unique amongst young players of his level across the country.
Maroodza is one of the two youth players who have been rewarded with new contracts together with striker Kian Harratt, who extends contract until June 2025.
Commenting on both deals, Huddersfield Academy manager Emyr Humphreys said: “It’s a great position for us to be in to have two such promising talents committing their immediate futures to the Club.