Funding problem for local academies

IT is clearly evident that lack of funding and sponsorship brings a huge setback for local academies as a famous academy in Bulawayo, Biya and Friends Academy could not continue, stating that they now could not afford the demands of running an academy.

This comes as a huge blow for football in Bulawayo and in the country as it has left many young players stranded.

The academy produced one of Bulawayo’s brightest talents like Zubair Ali who went on to play for current Zimbabwean Premier League champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Academy owner Thulani “Biya” Ncube announced this development on his social media.

“Dear Friends, I just wanted to clarify a few things about my earlier message.

First of all, thank you for all your support the past 10 years. I appreciate everyone who has supported the Academy financially, emotionally and otherwise.

To be clear, the Academy is NOT being sold! The Academy Partnership cannot financially support the Academy without any sponsorship and still provide the same quality of service to our community, players, staff and families!

Again, I appreciate all of you and your continued support!” Ncube said.

The academy started in 2013 and has been one of the best in terms of producing quality players and playing quality football.

With such a sad development, it is a worrying instance as players now fear that the downfall of academies is inevitable.

Ali, the former Biya and Friends player said it is sad for the younger players who were playing for the academy.

“It is very sad that our beloved academy cannot continue. It is an uncontrollable situation obviously but it is very sad especially for the younger players at junior level. I would personally like to appreciate the effort that has been put by Mr Ncube over the past ten years.

“He is a family man, this means that he also has other things apart from football that he has to look after family wise which need financial attention,” said Ali.

The academy was participating in Bulawayo Province junior league football and the division three league.

Bulawayo also has other academies such as former Railstars star Collen Byambiya’s Young Flying Stars Soccer Academy which has been developing good players over the years.

FMSA Umguza Academy is also another well known academy in the city.

Without proper financial backing it would be difficult to see a way in which Bulawayo academies will match up with academies such as the Harare Based Aces Youth Academy which has produced national team stars such as Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, the late goalkeeper George Chigova and Zimbabwean Soccer Star Of The Year Qadr Amini.