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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) will continue hosting more grassroots courses as a way of laying the foundation for adequately developing local talent.
Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede is of the view that marrying football with education will allow for the seamless development of talent in schools.
Speaking at the close of a grassroots course organised by Orap on Friday, Mutekede said equipping teachers with the right football coaching skills meant they can groom players from a tender age.
The course was held at Nswazi in Umzingwane District and had 52 participants who were teachers from schools spread across Matabeleland South.
“The thrust and drive to train teachers can be the difference we need in the development of talent because the teacher has the pupil most of the time hence it becomes easier for football to run alongside schooling.
“When schools embrace the sport and are adequately equipped to run it we can refine talent from a young age,” he said.
Mutekede said the added advantage of the programme is that it focused on rural areas, which are neglected in terms of talent development.
He said with more junior football being played in urban areas, talent in rural areas was not properly nurtured.
“We hope this can be spread countrywide because it can change the way we develop our talent. I think there are a lot of naturally skilled youngsters but they don’t make it into mainstream football because they would not be formally introduced to the game,” said Mutekede.
Three coaches from the United States, Robert Gibson, Najja Sadiki Ploden and Amy Marie Rinehart facilitated the course with the assistance of Mutekede and coaching instructor, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda.
Zifa Southern Region technical and development committee chairman Tumediso “Drogba” Mokoena said the course was an eye opener for both the coaches and the association as the visiting coaches emphasised on the early training of children.
He said the participants were also taught how to coach ECD pupils, something unheard of in Zimbabwe.
“These are special areas that need special training with special equipment that we do not have. The coaches underscored the need for training to start early in a player’s life,” said Mokoena, adding that Longfield Primary School, where practical sessions were being held, received equipment to be used in the training of youngsters.
Naph official, Elton Sinyosi said it was critical the participants assume the role of “train the trainer” and impart their skills to other teachers.
The course was made possible through funding from Round Star Foundation and assistance from Super Soccer Stars.
Online Reporter