Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda [email protected]
BINGA Football Academy have returned from a successful developmental tour of Zambia, where their youngsters gained valuable international exposure against some of that country’s top junior academies.
The academy played a series of friendly matches against Kafue Celtics, Athletico Lusaka, Sporting Lusaka and My Bro Academy in the Under-15 category, with the tour being described as a major learning experience by academy director Pride Ngwenya.
Binga narrowly lost 3-2 to Kafue Celtics in their opening match before bouncing back with an impressive 3-1 victory over Athletico Lusaka. They later drew 1-1 against Sporting Lusaka and settled for another 2 all draw against My Bro Academy.
Ngwenya said the team showed significant improvement compared to last year’s performances.
“It was a good experience for the boys. We played against very strong academies and we are happy with the progress the players showed. There was great improvement compared to last year and we continue learning,” said Ngwenya.
He said the competition level was high, especially considering that the Zambian academies contributed players to the Zambia Under-15 national team that recently took part in the Fifa Schools Under-15 Games held in Zimbabwe.
“In the Under-15 category, all these academies contributed players to the Zambia national Under-15 team that was in Zimbabwe for the Fifa Schools Games. That alone shows the quality of opposition our boys faced,” he said.
Ngwenya also revealed that one of the players from Majesa Academy of Mutare, who travelled with the Binga delegation, was this year appointed captain of the Zimbabwe national Under-15 team.
He said among the standout performers from their side in the Under-15 side were Ayanda Future Ncube, Junior Mhofu and goalkeeper Patron Makokisi.
In the Under-17 category, Tito Justo Ncube, Reminiscence Soldier Mudenda, captain Bliss Mwinde, Courage Munkuli, Emmanuel Tanyanyiwa and Pride Jalai FC Munkuli impressed during the tour.
The academy director thanked several stakeholders who assisted in making the trip possible.
“We are grateful to Mr Sinkwa’s team led by Miss Leticia for the travelling T-shirts. We also appreciate Matabeleland North youth chairman Mr Lundy Sinzeka, who through his tireless efforts linked us with Deputy Minister of Sport Hon Emily Jesaya the Sport and Recreation Commission for the smooth facilitation of our clearance letter,” Ngwenya said.
