Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY may hail from one of Zimbabwe’s most remote districts, but Binga Football Academy’s young talents are dreaming far beyond their rural borders, and a valuable recent trip to Zambia gave them a glimpse of what’s possible through the beautiful game.
The academy, led by director Pride Ngwenya, recently participated in an international junior football tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, a trip that proved both educational and inspiring. The six-day tour, which began on April 26, saw Binga field Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 teams in a series of friendly matches and theoretical classes focused on football development.
The cross-border initiative brought together Binga Football Academy and three Zambian clubs — Kafue Celtics, My Bro Academy, and Sporting Lusaka Academy — in a collaborative exchange.
aimed at sharpening technical skills and deepening understanding of the sport.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Ngwenya expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to expose their players to a new football culture.
“Our trip was fantastic. We’re delighted that our players received quality competition and training from their Zambian counterparts and others. We’re especially thankful to My Bro Academy director Martin Silwenga, Lee Kawanu, Binga Rural District Councillor John Muzamba, Jimba Safaris, Mr Sinkwa Bakery, the Sports and Recreation Commission, and officials from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia immigration departments,” said Ngwenya.
He noted that the visit included engagements with football professionals such as former CAPS United midfielder Ian Bakala, now the Zambia Under-17 national coach, and Joseph Mwansa, a former Hwange player who now runs an academy in Zambia.
“Our technical staff and administrators also benefited immensely. It wasn’t just about playing; it was about learning leadership, strategy, and building belief. Some of these boys reached places they never thought they’d see in their lifetime,” Ngwenya said.
On the pitch, the academy’s teams put in spirited performances. In five matches against My Bro Academy, the Under-13s drew 0-0, the Under-15s lost 2-0, and the Under-17s narrowly went down 2-1 with Zibusiso Shuma scoring.
The Under-12s clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Tito Ncube. Against Kafue Celtics, the Binga Under-17s suffered a 7-0 defeat, the Under-15s went down 4-2, while the Under-13s managed a narrow 1-0 win with a strike from Emmanuel Tanyanyiwa. In a second Under-17 encounter, Binga lost 6-0. They also played Sporting Lusaka Academy, where the Under-17s lost 3-1 and the Under-15s fell 1-0.
Despite the results, the trip was about more than just scorelines.
“This was an eye-opener. The boys have returned more confident, more knowledgeable, and more determined,” said Ngwenya.
