Portsmouth sensation makes mark on world stage after brilliant Fratton emergence
A Pompey academy talent has lit up the world stage during the recent international break.
Pompey starlet Elisha Pfupa has taken his brilliant Fratton Park form onto the world stage after making his mark for Zimbabwe during the international break.
The 17-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign on the south coast, netting five goals in all competitions for the young Blues.
Pfupa, who was the youngster member in the camp, inspired the Young Warriors to a 6-1 aggregate win, with the Pompey sensation netting a hat-trick in their 4-1 second-leg triumph.
Zimbabwe will now face Mali in the second round during the November international break and also keep alive hopes of qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
But for Pfupa, the young talent is now hoping to bring his international experience back to Fratton Park to continue his impressive goal-scoring form.
Pompey striker makes mark on world stage after Fratton emergence
Speaking after his international success, the young striker said: ‘Scoring a hat-trick for me means a lot, especially for my family, my teammates back in Portsmouth.
‘It’s helped me with confidence and I feel like it’s done by faith and through faith. I’m a big fan of faith so I feel like God guided me to this position, it’s in his hands for the future and where he decides to lead it.
‘It’s given me some good confidence because going forward we’re positive for when we play Mali (in the next qualifying round).
‘When we play them at home, I believe that it could be a good game but we’ve just got to focus ahead now and leave the past behind.
‘This team can go far but obviously it comes down to us as a whole.
‘When I found out about the call-up, it was a bit of a shock because I’m quite young. I’m one of the youngest here so I feel like I’ve had to adapt to the environment of playing with older boys but I think that’s helped me and adapted me as a player.
‘I believe that playing with older boys has helped me to this brilliant experience.
‘To represent my country, it’s a big ask but when you get the job done everyone loves you, it’s all crazy.
‘Without fans or without coaches then I don’t think any of us players would be here. It’s amazing and so proud that I’ve got called up.
‘It was a big moment for my family but I’m pretty blessed and grateful for the opportunity like this.’
Pfupa was one of 15 scholars to sign apprenticeships at Fratton Park in July, joining Reuben Allen, Ethan Bell, Karl Borsberry-Lewis, Cruz Connor, Billy Gillooly, Jakub Jablonski, Julian Korsah, Ben Philipson, Kyran Sylvanus and George Tregunna.
The 17-year-old has netted five goals in all competitions this term for the young Blues, who sit fourth in the EFL Youth Alliance League South after the opening eight matches.
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