Aces Academy ink Spanish deal

Tedious Manyepo: Sports Reporter

ACES Youth Soccer Academy have sealed a landmark deal with an international football development organisation, the Global Football Centre of Excellence, which will see them sending two Under-21 players annually for possible placements in Europe. The deal was penned last week. AYSA managing director, Mark Duvillard, confirmed the development yesterday.“I can confirm that Aces Youth Soccer Academy have entered into a partnership with Global Football Centre of Excellence, an organisation based in Malaga, Spain. “The agreement we have on the ground is that we shall be sending two of our Under-21 players for a further three-month development programme to the centre.

“If the players prove their worth then the GFCE will facilitate for their placement in Spanish teams as well as across Europe. “This move is certainly what we have been yearning for. Some players which we produce at the academy are world-class and it is unfortunate that they end up spending a lot of years playing in lower leagues although their talents will be unquestionable.

“The partnership will thrive to address that situation,” said Duvillard.

He said the AYSA-GFCE partnership came about after the latter made some enquiries on the African continent seeking to find some good academies to join forces with.

“Probably after being impressed by some of our products, who include Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, they decided to partner us,” he said.

AYSA director, Nigel Munyati, yesterday congratulated Billiat for hoisting the Zimbabwean flag high after the forward helped Mamelodi Sundowns capture the CAF Champions League. “We are well known for producing quality players who can illuminate the world stage,” said Munyati. “See how Knowledge (Musona) is performing at the moment. He is one of the key players at his Belgian club.

“At the moment, we are celebrating together with Mamelodi Sundowns who have come of age, winning the CAF Champions League title against all odds. “Our product Khama Billiat, played a key role in the team’s quest for African glory.

“We have immense young talent in this country. These young players can rise up to the occasion, but unfortunately our local clubs choose to recycle old players.”

AYSA have also constructed residential quarters, worth about $60 000, for their Under-20 team.