Robson Sharuko H-Metro Editor IN April this year, Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) officially announced the signing of six of the most exciting young footballers in the world who were dubbed the ‘Class of 2025.’ The six teenagers – Sammy Pinnington (Newcastle United), Bismark Owusu (Leicester City), Reuben Gokah (Charlton Athletic), Cayden Lamothe (Watford), Anha Cande (FC Porto) and Riccardo Cassano (Como) – are all based at European clubs. On Monday, RNSI, a multi-million dollar management company with interest in music and various sporting disciplines, announced their first recruits from Africa. And, teenage Young Warriors and Scottland forward, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, made the grade. It’s a landmark moment not only in the career of the young forward but in the history of Zimbabwean football. That a teenage athlete, who is in his first season in the domestic Premiership, finds himself under the management of the company that manages Vinicius Junior, is a landmark moment. That Chakuchichi finds himself in the same family of Romelu Lukaku, Tyrone Minga, Reece James, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Federico Dimarco, Samuel Chukweze and Eric Baily is a huge moment. That the young athlete finds himself under the same agency that manages NBA star Kyrie Irvine, South African cricketers – Temba Bavuma and Lungi Ngidi and rugby stars Siya Kolisi, Tendai Mtawarira and Cheslin Kolbe is massive. But, how did the company, which was founded by Jay-Z in 2008 and was valued at US$140 million by Forbes four years ago, end up signing Chakuchichi? “With an elite scouting process that prioritises potential over present ability, Roc Nation Sports International has been regularly highlighting the best of the best through their recruitment programmes over the years,” the firm saiys. “Talent identification at Roc Nation is a carefully curated process, led by Nathan Campbell, Global Director of Football Recruitment. “With a strategy built around signing only five or six top prospects per year, the agency ensures that each individual receives the full weight of their expertise and resources. Each signing undergoes a rigorous assessment process, with scouts watching them at least three times to eliminate bias and confirm consistency. “This level of attention ensures RNSI recruits not just talented footballers, but the right characters to thrive in elite environments. “RNSI’s commitment to player development extends far beyond footballing ability. “In today’s era, branding and marketability play a crucial role in a player’s career, and it was through the Creative Soccer Culture lens that we wanted to explore this further.” Campbell acknowledges the growing importance of an athlete’s off-field persona. “While our primary focus is on football, we recognise the importance of a player’s off-field persona. “Clubs now assess social media presence before signing a player, and we use it as an additional scouting tool to gain insight into their personality, work ethic, and mindset. “I always encourage players to have interests beyond football. “The game has changed – players now have limited time off, and much of their downtime is still tied to training. But when you sign a young player, you’re signing a person, not just a footballer. “Understanding what drives them outside the sport helps us communicate effectively and provide the right support.”