Timor Leste's prospect, Zenivio Mota, is ready for the first team

During the ASEAN U23 Cup match between Myanmar U23 vs. Timor Leste U23, two players from Timor Leste stood out to me: Vabio Cannavaro, due to his exceptional technique and Zenivio Mota. Zenivio Mota, the captain of the team, put the team on his back against Myanmar U23. Not only did he score once and pick up two assists, but he also stood out due to his presence throughout the pitch and his genuine leadership.

Zenivio Mota with Timor Leste in 2024

Zenivio Mota is a fascinating prospect, a young player who combines his pace with smart off the ball movement and a mentality beyond his peers. At just 20 years old, the East Timorian has already established himself as both a leader in the and a regular for the senior national setup, playing eight games for Timor Leste's national team. Currently playing for Singapore Premier League side Tanjong Pagar United, after moving to them from Cambodian side Kirivong Soksen Chey.

Physical Profile

Standing at 170 cm, Zenivio isn’t the most physically impressive figure, but his acceleration and speed are his primary weapons, combined with his work ethic. In open play, he burned past defenders, leaving no opponent able to match his pace. His agility and balance allowed him to change his direction with ease during the match. It was clear to see that he is the more experienced player in the U23 side aswell, as he had clearly the best stamina being able to press even when others were cramping up or showing clear signs of fatigue.

Technical Ability

Mota’s first touch under pressure is sharp, enabling him to maintain possession in the tight spaces that Myanmar tried to force him into. His short passing is precise, as shown by his assist to level the score at 4–4, while his long passing, though inconsistent, produced another great assist for his teammate, Luis Figo, to score the 2-2. On the dribble, he’s direct and uses his speed intelligently to beat his defenders. If there’s a technical gap, it’s in his finishing and heading, both of which still require refinement, even on a level he outperformed others.

Tactical & Mentally

Perhaps the most impressive part of Zenivio’s game is his footballing brain. His offensive positioning ensures he’s often in the right place to affect play, even dropping back into midfield from time to time. His decision-making is notably mature; he picks the right option more often than not. He reads teammate movements well, enabling quick interplay in the final third.

As captain, his leadership shone through. He was the vocal link between the coach and the players, constantly guiding teammates, adjusting shape, and motivating his squad. His leadership played a big part in Timor Leste's comeback. His composure under pressure belied his age, particularly in high-stakes moments against Myanmar.

Zenivio Mota's Projection

While primarily deployed as a right midfielder at his club, he played as a striker in the match against Myanmar and thrived. His pace and work rate make him a natural fit as a wide midfielder in a three-defender formation, where he can stretch the play and exploit space.

Mota has shown significant levels of maturity in the tournament and has proven to be ready for Timor Leste's first team. He shows great maturity for a player his age and can become a star player for Timor Leste.