adminthat their dreams of playing for top European clubs could be realised one day.
Zimbabwe was among nine African countries that took part in the COPA Coca-Cola International Football Camp at Chelsea in London.
Algeria, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland, Madagascar and Mauritius joined Zimbabwe for the two-week training camp. Zimbabwe and Algeria were the only teams that had the correct age group of Under-17 while others came with the Under-20 players. Players like Walter Musona, Stanley Chakwana, Nigel Makumbe, Wellington Muuya, Kelvin Sibanda and Lucky Dube impressed Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Dube, the youngest player in the Zimbabwe squad from Gifford High, was ecstatic about the camp saying it was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity.
“It means a lot in my career as a soccer player to be exposed to international standards and it was a dream come true to meet Chelsea stars,” Dube said. His mother Nomalanga thanked Coca-Cola for supporting the development of junior football in the country.
“I call upon other parents to support their children to pursue their sporting career as it has become a source of income,” Dube said.
Chakwana, from Manunure High in Kwekwe, paid tribute to Coca-Cola for giving him such an opportunity to sharpen his skills.
“During the training camp I learnt how to conduct myself both on and off the pitch and some goalkeeping techniques,” said Chakwana.
Sibanda, of Guinea Fowl in Gweru, was delighted at given the chance to train at world class facilities at Stamford Bridge.
“As an individual this training camp is a milestone achievement as my career has been shaped to a higher level,” Sibanda said.
Simbarashe Tandi, of Umzingwane High, said it was a dream come true.
“I was satisfied with my performance during the training camp and was happy to get good remarks from Chelsea coaches Boas and Roberto di Matteo,” Tandi said.
Online Reporter