Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Aces Youth Soccer Academy (AYSA), the conveyor belt of local football which produced the likes of former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, will this Saturday hold an Under-13 Invitational Tournament at ZB Sports Club in Harare.
According to AYSA director, Nigel Munyati, the junior tournament is a celebration of youth talent, teamwork, and football spirit.
The tournament has attracted “seven elite teams” or academies from Zimbabwe and Zambia. The participating academies are the hosts AYSA, Betis, BN, Cubs (from Lusaka, Zambia), Legends, Scorpions and Total.
“Seven elite Under-13 teams from Zimbabwe and Zambia will compete in a showcase of skill and passion. “(This is) a platform for young athletes to shine, build confidence, and foster lifelong friendships. “AYSA continues to empower youth through sport, creating pathways for education, mentorship, and opportunity,” Munyati said yesterday. He went on to say, “This tournament is more than competition; it’s a statement of resilience, unity, and hope for the next generations.
“We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors Pizza Inn, parents, and supporters whose commitment ensures every child has the chance to play, grow, and dream.”
AYSA is the brainchild of former Warriors coach, Marc Duvillard, who roped in former footballer, Munyati, as one of its directors.
In fact, Swiss mentor Duvillard used to coach the now-defunct former local Premier League side Black Aces. And when Aces, who were popularly known as “Shaisa Mufaro” by its fans, went bust in the late 1990s, Duvillard, together with one of the club’s former players, Munyati, decided to form an academy which they named Aces Youth Soccer Academy (AYSA). That was at the beginning of 2001.
Since its formation, the Harare-based academy is famous for identifying and producing talented youngsters such as Musona and Billiat who later went on to shine for the senior national team — the Warriors.
The academy, which was initially based at Lord Malvern High School in the Waterfalls area of Harare, also produced a number of talented young players who also featured for the Warriors They include goalkeepers Donovan Bernard and Martin Mapisa, who are now turning out for Premiership sides Chicken Inn and MWOS. Current Warriors players, Walter Musona, Emmanuel Jalai, Moffat Abubacar and Emmanuel Ziwocha, are also products of AYSA. The AYSA conveyor belt also produced other gifted players such as the late former Warriors goalkeeper George Chigova and defender Lincoln Zvayisa, who is now at this year’s Castle Lager Premier League champions, Scottland.
Former Black Aces and senior national team midfield workhorse, Francis Jayman, is one of the coaches at AYSA. Jayman, often called “Gazza,” is, infact, a well-known former Zimbabwean professional footballer, famous as a consistent and skillful midfielder/defender for clubs like Black Aces and Motor Action in the domestic league.
