By Zim Sport Live Writer
Feyenoord have moved swiftly to secure the future of one of their brightest academy prospects after 17-year-old Matthew Mparaganda signed a new contract that will keep him at De Kuip until the summer of 2028.
The talented youngster, who was born in the Netherlands to Zimbabwean parents, continues to rise through the ranks at the Eredivisie giants after years of steady development within their famed youth system.
Mparaganda began his football journey at amateur side VVIJ in IJsselstein before earning a move to the FC Utrecht youth academy. His potential quickly caught the attention of Feyenoord, who secured his services in the summer of 2018.
Since then, he has progressed impressively through the club’s youth structures. This season, Mparaganda featured for the Feyenoord Under-16 side, where he had the privilege of being mentored by former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, now the club’s senior team head coach.
A versatile and intelligent player, Mparaganda has also gained international experience with the Netherlands at youth level. He made his Dutch Under-15 debut in 2023 in a friendly match against Belgium, helping his side to a convincing 3-0 victory. He has since gone on to represent the Netherlands at Under-17 level.
Despite his involvement with Dutch youth teams, the teenager remains eligible to represent Zimbabwe and is viewed as a future prospect for the Warriors.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Mparaganda expressed his gratitude to the club for its role in his development.
“I’ve been playing at Feyenoord for quite some time now and have been able to develop step by step into the player I am today.
The club has invested a lot in me and always given me the confidence to improve. I still feel that confidence. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given here and look forward to continuing my development.”
With his future now secured until 2028, Mparaganda’s journey at Feyenoord continues — and Zimbabwean football fans will be watching closely as one of their own rises through the ranks in European football.