Dumaza Dube on 14-Year-Old Football Sensation Musona

Lovemore Dube

FOOTBALL development exponent Dumaza Dube believes the process of having teenage sensations such as Dwayne Musona of Bulawayo Chiefs is a challenge but still a manageable feat.

Dube who is now based in Namibia has been involved with some of the best talents in the country like Joel Ngodzo, Zephania Ngodzo, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Ntokozo Tshuma and Doorman Njeleza, says the coaches must map out a programme that accommodates his academics, schools’ sport involvement and club.

“Such kind of talent in Zimbabwe faces a lot challenges but it’s a very easy process to manage. Parents and the coaches should map out a programme that includes school and the club’s training calendar.

“The school programme must override the club’s training schedules if there’s a clash of interests. This is to allow the athlete to develop in both spheres of influence. If the balance is maintained, the athlete won’t have burn out in any of the two areas,” said Dube.

He said it is important to strike the right balance.

“What is important is just to keep the excitement high so as to stay motivated. All programmes in football must focus on techniques and technical development, not physical development.

If there’s an overload of training especially in physical endurance training, the young player will fizzle out and die a natural death in his career,” said Dube.

Many young players have failed to reach their full potential because of poor handling of this stage.

There have been some rare cases like Peter Ndlovu and his elder brother Madinda who were already showing great signs of hitmakers at the age of 16.

Madinda tested first team football in 1979 and played at the highest level for the next 15 years and is considered Bosso’s Best Player for The Decade 1980-1989.

Mandla Mpofu a coach who never hesitated to throw in youngsters at Railstars and Bantu Rovers said a number iof factors come into play.

“One factor is the player’s background and upbringing. Drug abuse and wrong choice of friends are a major factor.

We need to tackle these issues as a country, a lot of talent is wasted. We have a big task ahead,” said the Simba Bhora coach.