It’s already been a busy season for first-year Academy scholar Mheuka, who has quickly made his mark on the 2024/25 campaign. After signing his scholarship in July, the young forward celebrated his 17th birthday this month by putting pen to paper on his first professional contract, committing his future to the Blues.

That new contract came after he had established himself as part of Filipe Coelho's Chelsea Under-21s squad despite only being 16-years-old at the start of the season, followed by travelling to Athens with the men's team and being named among the substitutes by Maresca for the 4-1 win over Panathinaikos. That was in addition to marking his first call-up for England Under-19s with goals against France and the Netherlands.

Looking back at a hectic period in his young career, the striker starts with the moment he officially became a professional footballer by penning a new deal at Cobham.

'Signing that contract is something you work towards from a young age, especially when you start playing football seriously,' Mheuka reflected.

'It’s easy to take it for granted sometimes but, as the moment got closer, I realised it’s a pro contract, it's a big deal. It’s only now starting to sink in and I’m really proud of it.

'Everything moved so fast with such a busy schedule and it felt like a whirlwind. I’m so happy to have signed my first professional contract at the club I love, not just as a player but as a fan.'

Continuing to reflect on his standout memories this season, one game in particular that shines is the Under-21s' recent 6-0 derby win over west London neighbours Fulham in the Premier League 2, during which Mheuka netted his first-ever goal at that level.

'Getting that first goal took a while and it was definitely frustrating at times. I had to stay focused and keep putting in the work every game, knowing the time would come. Finally, it did.

'I was playing well without scoring, but goals make a real difference and I was thrilled to get that first one. I’ve been confident and adapting to Under-21s football, even though it’s my first season. I remind myself to make the most of every opportunity, whether it’s in training or a game.'

The special moments didn’t end there. Mheuka, along with Under-21s team-mates Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Tyrique George, joined the men’s travelling squad for the Conference League match against Panathinaikos in Greece. Though he didn’t make his debut, he was on the bench at the Athens Olympic Stadium and savoured the experience of the European away trip as a whole.

'Being with the men’s team was amazing, I could hardly believe it! Supporting Chelsea as a kid, it feels surreal to now be around top players, wearing the badge and gaining experience in intense atmospheres. Those moments shape who you’ll become as a player.

'The energy in the stadium was intense, with fans yelling and even pointing lasers at me, but I enjoyed every second. Playing at that level is incredible and I hope there’s more to come.'

Back on duty with Coelho's Chelsea Under-21 squad at the start of this week, Shumaira's focus is now on our EFL Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign, aiming to continue a four-game winning streak after defeating Leicester City 3-1 in the Premier League 2 last Friday.

Returning now to the competition which kicked off with a 3-2 win against Bromley's senior team in September, the Blues are gearing up for a midweek clash with League One side Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

'I’m really excited to play against Charlton. It’ll be a good test for both the team and me,' added Mheuka. 'We’ve been playing well, so I’m confident going into this game.

'It’s a big stage with a solid crowd and we have a great chance to show what we can do. Facing Bromley last time out and getting that win has given us even more motivation to deliver a positive result here.

'Playing against older players is a great experience, helping me see what it takes at the next level and grow my mindset for different challenges. I’m looking forward to it and, hopefully, we’ll come away with three points.'

Support our Blues

Our Under-21s’ next home game will be a London derby against Arsenal at 7pm on Friday evening. Tickets are available priced at £7 for adults or £5 for juniors and seniors, with every supporter purchasing tickets for that match being entered into a prize draw to win tickets for the men's Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge 10 days later.