Div One champs on recruitment exercise

Mzingaye Sibanda, recently in Plumtree
THE Zifa Southern Region Division One champions Bulawayo Chiefs have recruited more than 100 junior players for their academy in Bulilima and Mangwe districts. This was done through a cluster tournament which involved more than 28 Primary and Secondary schools in the two districts.

Eight schools proceeded to the final cluster selection that will be done tomorrow at Dingumuzi stadium.
The final of the tournament will curtain raise Bulawayo Chiefs’ last home game of the season against Hwange Juniors.

Winners of the tournament will be determined by the highest number of pupils a school contributes to the academy after the final selection is done in December.

Chiefs’ aim is to identify about 60 players for their Under-13 and 15.
Bulawayo Chiefs want to consolidate their gains from playing in Plumtree where they won promotion into the Premiership and want to  plough back to the community by nurturing young soccer talent at the academy.

Selected pupils will be taken to either Plumtree High School or Phakamani where they will train as a team.
Chiefs have so far received an overwhelming support from the community.

“We are happy about what they are doing here, someone might be the next Peter Ndlovus. I am happy that these kids are getting the opportunity we never had,” said Clerance Ndlovu a parent who was watching the games.

Bulawayo Chiefs seek to emulate the famous Barcelona Academy which has produced world class players by grooming and bonding them together at a young age.

Bulilima-Mangwe Naph and Nash district sports and recreation officer Bongani Ndebele encouraged schools to give maximum support to the programme.

“This is the first step to greatness and first of its kind in the region. I encourage schools to support the idea which will nurture and develop soccer talent from a tender age,” he said.

Plumtree town secretary Davis Luthe said they were fully behind Chiefs Academy.
“The talent we have in this region had remained untapped for a long time and we are encouraging communities to support this good initiative meant to unlock the region’s potential in sport,” said Luthe.