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HARARE City Football Club secretary-general Matthew Marara says Premier Soccer League teams have a duty to groom players from the grassroots. The municipal side will today launch an ambitious junior league programme at Rufaro for the Under-11 girls’ and boys’ teams drawn from 32 schools run by the council.
The project will be overseen by the side’s schools development coach Masimba Dinyero.
The former Dynamos and Harare City coach will spearhead the search for talent and consistent performers will be enrolled at their newly-established academy that will be under the mentorship of Elvis Chiweshe.
The club has since facilitated Level One coaching courses for teachers in council-owned primary schools to ensure that the children are taught the right concepts at an early age.
Marara said they were looking to build a solid base for Harare City in the long run by nurturing their own players.
About $100 000 has been budgeted for the programme.
“For a team in the Premiership, we take it as our responsibility to develop football not only for Harare City but for all the top-flight clubs.
“Once this league gets underway we will be moving around scouting for outstanding players. We hope to enrol those who are consistent at our academy.
“As a club we will take responsibilities of the children from their school fees and uniforms so that we give these promising talents the best possible support to develop.
“We are happy this year we had the girl child in mind. That is why we are also launching the league for girls. Unfortunately, we don’t have a women’s team, but we hope that those players will be absorbed by more established clubs,” said Marara.
The launch will be graced by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga who will give a keynote address.
Eight boys’ teams and girls’ teams will participate in the tournament under Harare City Football Club’s development programme.
The tournament brings together teams from the high density suburbs of Warren Park, Glen View, Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, Tafara and Hatcliffe.
Fixtures
Under -11 boys
Hatcliffe 2 vs Budiriro 1; Warren Park 3 vs Tafara 5; Westlea vs Glen Norah Infill; Kuwadzana 6 vs Kuwadzana 3
Under-11 Girls
Glen View 6 vs Sunningdale; Fundo vs Hatcliffe 1; Warren Park 5 vs Dzivaresekwa 6; Lytton vs Marimba
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