Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE countdown is on!
Next Saturday, the BancABC Roots Impact Programme kicks off, bringing together the next generation of football talent from across Zimbabwe.
Manicaland will launch its campaign with a fixture against Masvingo counterparts.
Manicaland provincial teams – Under-14 and U-16 boys and girls – will take on Masvingo provincial teams at a venue yet to be announced in Masvingo.
ZIFA Manicaland chairperson, Kuziwa Nyabeze, confirmed that preparations are complete, and the teams are raring to go.
“We went around all districts in Manicaland trying to make the programme known to all stakeholders. In most of the areas they did not have any junior teams in existence, unlike Mutare where there is an existing junior league.
“I think we are well prepared to have this programme rolled out. I am confident that we will perform well. The good thing is that all stakeholders on the ground showed enthusiasm when we introduced this programme to them,” said Nyabeze, adding that player selection was based on merit, and the process is continuous as the competition progresses.
“We are having players who are coming from almost all the districts in Manicaland. It is an ongoing process, and the selection is continuous, so some that might have missed out on the first round of matches might get their chance as the competitions progress,” he said.
CAF D coaching badge holders are being given the responsibility of handling the teams.
For Manicaland Under-16 boys, the head coach is Reactors Junior Football Club co-founder, Muvhuro Chipika, assisted by Glenn Mahati.
The Under-14 boys are being coached by Nyarai Masunde, assisted by David Chinai, while Zenzele Musikavanhu will coach the Under-16 girls, assisted by Sakubva United’s Wendy Gowero.
For the Under-14 girls, Givemore Mutumani is head coach and will be assisted by Keith Musabayana.
The coaches were selected on the basis of having undertaken the FIFA Safeguarding Course because of the need to protect the minors they will be dealing with.
In a statement, the country’s football mother body, ZIFA wrote: “Get ready for exciting action, talent discovery, learning opportunities, and a platform that will help shape the future of Zimbabwean football. The BancABC Roots Impact Programme is transforming youth football in Zimbabwe through a structured, nationwide development pathway. With four National Junior Leagues across the Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ categories, the programme provides young players with meaningful competition, equal opportunities and a clear route to elite football. More than a tournament, Roots Impact is a year-round platform focused on talent identification, player development, safeguarding and empowering the next generation of Zimbabwean football stars.”
