Covid-19 affects academy

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
Covid-19 travel restrictions have affected First Mobile Sports Academy (FMSA)’s five teenagers who were supposed to travel to Hamburg, Germany this week to take part in a talent identification programme that kicks off this weekend and ends on 8 August.

The five youngsters national Under-20 Lexington Mujokoro, Zubair Ali, Simbarashe Madzivire, Allen Gasela and Gerald Sibanda’s travel arrangements including accommodation and travel insurance had been finalised.

This was confirmed by the Canada-based FMSA director, Isaac Mbedzi.

“At this point in time due to travel restrictions that apply to Zimbabwe, the submission of an application is not possible, nor is the issuing of visas for the purpose of travel. When these restrictions can be lifted and when applications can be accepted again, we cannot say,” reads an email from the Federal Republic of German, Visa section in Harare.

The FMSA technical director identified and selected the players after visiting and seeing them play for their sister team in Bulawayo and felt their soccer development and progression would be helped further if they were exposed hence the decision to send them to this talent identification programme.

FMSA (Umguza) are sister clubs with FMSA Canada.

The mini tournament will involve FMSA Canada plus five other German youth teams with the youngsters standing a huge chance of attracting the attention of international scouts.

Mujokoro was on the verge of joining Bulawayo giants Highlanders early this season but the negotiations fell through after the two sides failed to agree on some contractual detail.

Bosso reportedly failed to raise an asking price of US$5 000 which Mujokoro’s team were demanding. Bosso are also said to have wanted a clause which guarantees them a certain amount if the player was to be sold while still on loan.