adminMathew Masinge
FORMER Zimbabwe international forward, Mike Temwanjira, has been roped in to nurture talent at the newly-established Gilbert Muponda Foundation GMRI Soccer Academy.
A brainchild of Gilbert Muponda, the academy has been touted as the next Zimbabwean talent conveyor belt, where rough diamonds will be discovered and polished.
Temwanjira’s duties will include identifying and nurturing young players from the ages of 12 to 18.
He has vowed to use his links to shape the future of local young stars.
“I have taken the job to support local talent, and put to good use the knowledge and links I got from Serbia, Australia and Thailand, where I played.
“The idea is to promote youngsters by nurturing them to ensure they can qualify to play in top-flight leagues in Europe,” said Temwanjira.
For Muponda, the academy is part of his efforts to help develop local talent.
“I think our youths need it as a career option and also an escape route from stress and drug abuse,” said Muponda.
“It’s a viable career option and business venture, which can give dividends to both us, as investors, and the players, not forgetting the community at large.
“We hope to discover talent, nurture it, groom the youngsters and prepare them for professional careers locally and abroad,” said Muponda.
He said the academy compliments school programmes already running through his foundation.
“We already have a proper academic school so, adding a soccer and arts academy, will widen talent development capacity within the targeted communities
“We are building a pool of talent that can be role models within the community, through dedication, and transforming how academy football is viewed,” he said.
Muponda said he will mobilise resources to start a local league which will only feature academies.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter