adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
DIVISION One outfit Bulawayo Chiefs will recruit players for their junior development from Mangwe district at Dingumuzi Stadium in Plumtree today.
In order to consolidate gains from playing in Plumtree, Bulawayo Chiefs have set their eyes on embarking on a junior development project.
Chief’s Academy seeks to identify about 60 players aged between Under-13 and 15 in Bulilima and Mangwe districts. The players will be sponsored by the club for their secondary school education.
They will be taken to the same school in Plumtree to receive proper training and to bond as a team.
Chiefs seek to emulate the famous Barcelona Academy which has produced world class players by grooming and bonding them together at a young age.
Chiefs Academy spokesman Dalubuhle Bhebhe said they have received overwhelming support from the community and teachers.
“We had a workshop last weekend to introduce our project and we received overwhelming support,” said Bhebhe.
Bhebhe said they would have a tournament involving teams from the two districts where they would identify players. “Teachers and technical staff of Bulawayo Chiefs will be identifying talent for the academy,” he said.
He appealed for more community support as he believes it’s their project as well.
“It’s a community project so people of Plumtree own it, so we hope they support it for it to develop,” he said.
Bulilima District will hold their trials on 23 October.
Bulawayo Chiefs, who are on course for a Premiership berth, have promised to stay at Dingumuzi Stadium if they make it.
Veteran coach Rahman “Rush” Gumbo will oversee the project after being reassigned to the juniors early this week.
Online Reporter