Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
BINGA Football Academy are back on the road, with Zambia once again calling. The community based side is set to depart for a week long development exchange with Kafue Celtic from April 23 to 30, marking another milestone for a project that has continued to gather momentum away from the mainstream football spotlight.
The upcoming tour will be the academy’s second international exchange, following a successful breakthrough trip last year, signalling that the work being done in Binga is steadily opening opportunities beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Founder and head coach Pride Ngwenya said the visit represents more than just a series of friendly matches.
“We are grateful for this second visitation programme as the first one was a success. This gives our team enough time to learn and grow. Last year we had a chance to share ideas with the Zambia Under 20 national team before they left for Afcon in Egypt.
“This time we will face an Under 15 side that recently took part in their schools’ competition, which will be another great learning curve for our boys. These exchanges are very important for development because they expose our players to different styles of play and environments,” said Ngwenya.
For a team operating in a district that has often been overlooked by mainstream football development structures, the international exchanges are doing more than sharpening technical ability — they are giving players a clearer measure of their potential.
Ngwenya said the exposure now needs to be complemented by stronger recognition and support at home.
“We hope that as time goes on, more local teams will begin to scout talent deep within our communities. We have players who are capable of representing the national team. Every time we participate in junior tournaments across the country, our boys have proven themselves by competing and even beating so called big clubs.
“We therefore appeal to partners and business people to come on board and support our programmes so that we can continue nurturing this talent,” he said.
Preparations for the trip have also received strong backing from within the community, led by team manager Admire Ngwenya, a former Binga Pirates player, who has played a key role in organising the exchange.
“This is a big opportunity for these youngsters. Playing international friendly matches at such a young age builds character and belief. As a community, we are proud of what the academy has achieved so far, and we are confident the boys will represent Binga well,” he said.
Beyond the fixtures, Binga Football Academy continues to play a broader social role within the district.
In a community grappling with challenges such as drug and substance abuse and early child marriages, the academy has emerged as a constructive outlet, keeping young players engaged in organised sport and focused on long term goals.
The academy currently operates four age group teams — Under 10, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 18 — with a growing pool of players who have already gained experience through competitive tournaments across the country.
From Mutare, where they took part in the Amai Hondo Soccer Trust tournament, to Harare’s Dynamos Grand Challenge Cup and Bulawayo’s Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo tournament, the academy has consistently tested itself against established opposition.
Now, the players are set to test themselves beyond the country’s borders once again.
Bongani Ndlovu