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Fungai Muderere
FOLLOWING his club’s recent success story at the Iber Cup contest in Portugal, South Africa-based juniors’ coach Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube has come out on position 621 out of 5 000 team managers that have previously taken part in the competition.
Ncube, a former Motor Action and Bantu Rovers forward, took charge of Johannesburg-based Sporting CP Portugal Academy Under-11 side at an event that featured teams from South Africa, Portugal, France, Brazil, United States, Australia, Turkey and Spain.
In their first game of the cup tournament, Sporting CP Portugal Academy lost 4-0 to Balenenses of Portugal. For their second match, Ncube’s charges beat US Lustianos Sma of France 3-2 before they went on to wallop Spain’s CD Elpalo 3-0 in their next match of the contest.
Thereafter, the ex-Bantu Rovers player watched his youngsters prevail over Portugal’s UD Alta Be Lisaboa on a 3-2 score line.
In their last group match, Sporting CP Portugal Academy continued with their winning ways that saw them edge another South Africa-based side Rand Central 1-0 to book a quarter-final berth against Marbella of Spain where they lost 3-1.
“I’m happy our fine run at the tournament was recognised. The rankings mean a lot to me because this is a largely followed football tournament that takes place annually. The players were also ranked after each and every match. I will continue to work hard,” said an overjoyed Ncube in a telephone interview from his base in Mzansi.
Meanwhile, the third edition of the Fortune ‘‘Fokoza’’ Ncube Juniors’ Football tournament will be held on September 1, with eight teams participating at Esikwakweni ground in Entumbane.
Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Zebra Revolution, Bulawayo Chiefs, FMSA, City Rovers, Dulibadzimu from Beitbridge and ALMA from Harare will take part in the event.
Defending champions Zebra Revolution will be hoping to retain the title for the third time in succession.
Spokesperson Mike Dube said they had upped preparations for the tournament.
“Everything is falling into place, we expect to have a bigger tournament this year. We call on all soccer enthusiasts to come and witness some of the great talent Bulawayo has on offer. We are still finalising on prizes with our sponsors BOC Gas,” said Dube.
The motive for the tournament is to help the community fight against drug abuse as well as help with talent identification in the city.
The founder and sponsor of the tourney, Ncube, played for several clubs, including Hwange FC, Bulawayo Chiefs, Black Mambas as well as Motor Action.
His professional career ended prematurely after an eye ailment and he turned to junior development in football soon after his untimely retirement.
He’s now employed as one of the head coaches at Sporting CP Academy based in South Africa.
Online Reporter