Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
GOVERNMENT has commended Jadel Football Academy for their efforts to foster cultural exchanges and enhance the strong relationship that exists between Zimbabwe and China.
JFA are currently preparing for the nine-day 100-Team Cup that begins in Beijing on Friday.
The grassroots club, which was founded by China-based former Young Warriors player Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, is a fusion of different nationalities with Zimbabwe and China having a significant chunk of players.
JFA Zimbabwe have 16 players across two different age-groups having travelled on July 16 the team has already won the Thaiwoo Cup which was played in Hebei last week. The big one now awaits and they will be eager to defend the honours they won last year.
With over 1365 teams from across the world expected for one of the biggest grassroots football festivals in the world already confirmed, contest is promising to be a huge boom.
Besides intensive training in the sweltering conditions in the Chinese capital right now, the youngsters have had time to site-see, participate in cultural programs and they have all undergone some martial arts training.
And the Government is pleased with the level of engagement JFA is having during their tour.
Minister of Youth Development, Empowerment and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire yesterday said: “As the Ministry in charge of youths, we wouldn’t be happier.
“The efforts are quite encouraging and hugely exemplary.
“Look, it takes a great deal of effort and professionalism for a grassroots team like Jadel FA to take strides like these.
“Firstly, we have got a former Young Warrior at the helm, being able to form a soccer academy in China. Due to his incredible manners and stoutness, he gets the trust of parents from different nationalities to coach their children.
“That’s something others should always try to copy. Then we have the same person, through good corporate governance and sheer attractiveness, managing to send 16 youngsters to China for a developmental tournament.
“The children most of them from underprivileged backgrounds are getting to benefit from the exposure they are having in China.
“The cultural exchange programs and everything else mean a lot to them. In terms of further cementing the already strong relations we have with China, well, they are quite enhancing that.”
Already with the Thaiwoo Cup under their belts, JFA are walking with a spring in their step as they angle to win the 100-Team Cup.
“I wish them all the best. They are really very good ambassadors and they should fight hard to bring the 100-Team Cup trophy home,” added Machakaire.
“I would like to also appreciate the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, ZIFA and SRC for ensuring that these true ambassadors got their blessings.
“To see these initiatives coming at a time when the country is fighting the drug and substance abuse menace is very encouraging.”
Musanhu said always keeping values and loving your own country ensure that one gets respect across the board.
