Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOVERNMENT have backed the Zimbabwe Football Association’s dream to help the Warriors qualify for what could be their first World Cup appearance in 2030.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi laid out the roadmap last week that could help Zimbabwe achieve its mission during the Round-of-32 Munhumutapa Challenge Cup draw.
Already, ZIFA have penned a MoU with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure smooth development pathways currently anchored by the BancABC Roots Impact Cup, which is being played in a league format amongst provinces.
And on Saturday, the Acting Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Innocent Chishumba, said the future of football should always consider and factor in the rural child.
He said this during the handover ceremony of football equipment by UAE-based Indian footballer Akshat Katti to Dunnati Primary School starlets at the Mt Meru premises in Chihota.
Akshat, who at just 16 has already broken into the first team of Desert Falcon in the third tier of the United Arab Emirates football system, is the son of Mt Meru Group Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Products Satyavrat Katti.
“Firstly, as Government, let me say ZIFA’s World Cup 2030 thrust is a welcome development and vision,” said Chishumba.
“The vision needs to be backed by a holistic approach to things, including the involvement of rural players who are often overlooked yet intensely talented.
“In other words, it is in line with His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind.”
“We are seeing this in rural settings, where learners at schools that have received these donations come from underserved communities.
““As a result, this initiative will go a long way in boosting morale and developing skills in underserved areas such as Dunoto Primary School.
“We are very happy to receive this donation because it will go a long way in promoting the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which emphasises both academic excellence and skills development.”
Akshat said: “I have come here several times, saw these kids (boys and girls) displaying good football skills, but without proper equipment.
“This always touches my heart, and I decided to source equipment to help them realise their dreams.
“I am based in the UAE, and I will always try to bring these kids the equipment needed to develop them in terms of football skills.
“I always learn from my family that giving is graceful, and this is just the beginning.”
