Big Mike starts off with a bang

Mathew Masinge

FORMER Zimbabwe international Mike Temwanjira’s coaching career started off to a flier when his GMRI Academy won the Archford Gutu U-17 Invitational Tournament at Mt Pleasant High School over the weekend.

GMRI Academy beat Dynamos Under-17 5-4 on penalties in the final after the two sides had been deadlocked 0-0 in regulation time.

The tournament featured eight other teams, including the Archford Gutu Football Academy, and Green Buffalo.

To get to the final, GMRI drew 0-0 with RSFA, beat Green Buffalo 3-2 and Archford Gutu Academy 3-0 in the semi-finals.

Big Mike said he was happy with his boys’ display.

“Things are looking good for us and I am happy the boys performed well despite us only coming up with both the team and academy last week.

“The academy is still in its infancy and to compete and beat well-established teams must be commended,” he said.

He hopes to build an even better competitive team.

“We still have a long way to go to complement our young untapped talent and we are going to do that,” he said.

GMRI Academy patron, Gilbert Muponda, saluted Gutu for organising the tournament, and called more former players to help develop young talent.

Gutu, who played for both Harare giants, Dynamos and CAPS United, said more effort must be directed into developing young players.