Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
RIGHT in the heart of bedbug-infested Matererini Flats in Mbare are poverty-stricken families whose hope is squarely down to fate.
Here, boys, as young as 10, know all sorts of vulgarity with others already addicted to dangerous drugs.
They attend school when they choose to.
But there is a ray of hope, thanks to the coming in of Jadel Football Academy that has changed perceptions and realigned the whole community’s line of thinking.
Over 100 young boys and girls have been rehabilitated and sent back to school by this project, which was started by Mbare-born former Young Warriors player Walter “Ringers” Musanhu in China before it spread to Zimbabwe and other parts of the country.
Sean Pesani (13) was not in school for two years before JFA decided to intervene and is now doing well both academically and on the field of play.
He is a great player for his age and is currently here with JFA who will represent the country in the Thaiwoo Cup, which begins tomorrow in this port city and continues until July 29.
JFA will field Under-11, 12 and 13 teams in a contest where some international academies have already seconded scouts to sniff for potential.
It’s not only a tournament where the Zimbabweans will try to win, but it’s a platform where they can market themselves and possibly clinch scholarships.
One of the academy graduates Anotidaishe Kashitiku (17) was identified at this tournament and is due to start his professional football journey in China this year.
After the Thaiwoo Cup, JFA will also defend the 100-Team Cup in Beijing from August 8-16.
Just like the Thaiwoo Cup, the 100-Team Cup is already oversubscribed with over 150 academies from across the world set to participate.
Sean’s mother Siesta said “I can’t thank God enough. I never imagined that one day Sean would go overseas to play football.
“This year he also helped his school win the zonal NASH tournament. I am grateful to JFA and my hope is to one day see him becoming a professional player.
“The potential is already there the will and passion will define everything else.”
For Sean, it’s all about development. “I am happy that I am here and I will be able to gain invaluable exposure. That means a lot as I aim to one day become a professional footballer.”
The Zimbabweans have been making waves in the Chinese capital, dismantling opponents in the five friendly games they have played since their arrival here seven days ago.
“I am over the moon. I joined Scottland Academy early this year in Mabvuku and boom, JFA came and selected the five of us to accompany them to China,” said Anotida Mandaba.
“This is a great opportunity for us to grow with the confidence we need as we chart a way towards becoming professionals.
“These opportunities rarely come and I am grateful to JFA.”
Musanhu saluted JFA partners and urged the young boys to focus.
“I started this project about a decade ago here in China. We have over 300 youngsters we are grooming in Beijing alone. We have since set centres in the UK, USA, Zimbabwe and other parts of the world.
“My aim with this Zimbabwe age-group that will participate in the Thaiwoo and 100-Team Cups is to keep them together and help the country qualify for the 2034 World Cup.
“I am happy to transform the lives of these young souls. The exposure we are giving them will help them get the details they need to become professionals,” Musanhu said.
