Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
Sports Correspondent
WITHOUT hard work and consistency, passion alone is not enough.
But when the two are combined, the results can be rewarding.
For Warriors and Simba Bhora sports specialist Lenon Gwara, and Manica Diamonds performance analyst Clinton Matiza, hard work and consistency continue to amplify their passion.
The duo has been quietly making an impact at different clubs in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Gwara has worked with Dynamos and Scottland and had a brief stint at Chicken Inn. Matiza has also had spells at Dynamos, Chicken Inn and Black Rhinos.
Both are passionate about their work, something evident from ongoing conversations.
They are currently attending the Villarreal three-day training camp in Harare.
The programme is being conducted under the guidance of the Spanish La Liga side’s academy coaches, Carlos Ortiz and Vicky Yarnold, who arrived in the country on Sunday. Gwara expressed his gratitude to Athletes Sphere Global Academy director Gerald Sibanda, who organised the training camp in collaboration with Villarreal, as well as Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya, for the opportunity to learn from European coaches.
“Personally, I would like to thank Gerald Sibanda and coach Tonderai Ndiraya for the opportunity to be part of this technical development programme with the elite coaches from Villarreal.
“It’s something one can only dream of, being part of such a huge development programme and receiving knowledge directly from the coaches is a real blessing.
“Understanding how to manage player load and recovery during training sessions is something that really excited me about today’s programme.
“Having the chance to engage with the coaches and gain deeper insight into improving player recovery during training, as well as pre- and post-match, has been invaluable.
“Working with and managing young players during training has also been enjoyable, especially seeing the exceptional talent we have in Zimbabwe.”
Matiza, who holds an Honours degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, echoed the same sentiments.
“It’s a knowledge-enhancement initiative where we are acquiring technical skills from a coaching perspective directly from Villarreal coaches, one of the biggest teams in La Liga,” said Matiza.
“We are gaining football knowledge from a club that has achieved success in Europe, having recently won the Europa League.
“Tactically, I am learning a lot.”
One outstanding player from the ongoing camp, is set to be selected for participation in an official Villarreal tournament in Spain.
