Jadel Academy players off to China

Tadious Manyepo

Sports Reporter

SIX Jadel Academy players yesterday left for China where they will contest in a Five-Aside Thaiwoo Under-13 International Cup which runs for eight days from August 12.

The six players who include Tichaona Kunaka, Tafadzwa Sadziwa, Tashinga Wilbesi, Neymar Konono, Lionel Tuboyi and Munashe Mutsikadowo will also get a chance to be scouted should they impress during the global tournament.

They are from the local branch of Jadel Academy whose main centre is in China, having been founded there by a Zimbabwean, Walter Musanhu.

Besides the tournament, the six players will also get to participate in a cultural exchange program which the organizers have put in place.

This is the first time that a Zimbabwean academy is competing in this championship after the SRC sanctioned Jadel Academy’s participation.

Musanhu, who accompanied the team, said this could signal the beginning of greater things to come.

“I am very happy to be taking these boys to this gigantic tournament. The good thing about it is that these boys are all from the ghetto.

“We have established this academy to cater for talent development in underprivileged communities,” he said.

“We have observed that most of the boys from disadvantaged backgrounds are not getting much attention in terms of talent nurturing as most of the football nurseries demand payment.

“We are a different kettle of fish. We have paid in excess of US$10 000 to put together this trip. It’s not because we have the resources, no. But we have the passion and we will soon be looking for some land to better develop these kids.

“We are very happy to see these kids going to participate in China. The experience will boost their confidence and they will develop into fearless individuals.

“There is also a chance for them to be scouted by other teams who will be at this global meet.

“I am sure they will raise the country’s flag high. I am grateful to all parties involved”.

Parents who spoke to The Herald hailed Jadel Academy.

Konono’s father, Darlington, said he was skeptical at first to see his son concentrating on football.

“I didn’t want him to play football because we always think that we should invest in education for our kids, not sport. But after this, I think I can now tell my fellow parents to please invest in sports development for their kids. I am happy beyond words,” he said.

One of the players, Tuboyi, who is a goalkeeper, said his decision to guard the post when the team had no ‘keeper in one of their games has paid dividends.

“I was actually a midfielder all along until one day when our goalkeeper had a problem and failed to turn up for a match.

“I volunteered to be in goals and the rest is history. I am very happy to be on the plane to China,” said Tuboyi.

“I would like to thank my coaches and everyone at Jadel Academy. I am sure we are going to raise the country’s flag high”.