Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
JADEL Football Academy’s Under-13 side were heading home last night after completing an unbeaten tour of China in which they won the 100 Cup and attracted interest from scouts and international schools.
The Zimbabwean youngsters did not drop a point on their way to the 100 Cup title at a tournament featuring more than 100 teams from across the world.
Their performances caught the attention of scouts and international schools in Beijing, who arranged further matches to assess the players for possible football scholarship opportunities.
Jadel won those matches too, meaning they leave China having won every game they played during their month-long stay.
The 10 youngsters, together with academy founder and head coach Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, were scheduled to leave Beijing last night via Dubai and are expected to arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at around 7.30pm today.
Members of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association are expected to welcome the team at the airport before a celebration is held in Mbare tomorrow.
Striker Liam Moyo, who won the 100 Cup Golden Boot, was scheduled to leave the rest of the squad in Dubai and proceed to England, where he is based.
Moyo is the son of former professional footballer More Moyo.
Musanhu, a former Zimbabwe youth international, believes the past month has been invaluable for the youngsters.
“It’s been a hectic month in which the youngsters had to arrive, adapt and acclimatise to the conditions in China,” said Musanhu.
“They learnt a lot, especially playing alongside Chinese kids in the same team.
“They got the much-needed exposure for their age group and, above all, they conquered the 100 Cup.
“That’s by far one of the most productive months they have had in their young football lives.
“They have had the opportunity to be looked at by international scouts, and hopefully we will be getting some good news soon.
“I am humbled that some members of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association have planned to give these kids a huge welcome.
“It’s a humbling gesture that means a lot to these youngsters. And on Wednesday there is a party to celebrate them.”
Musanhu will have little time to rest after the celebrations as he prepares to travel to South Africa, where Jadel FA plans to open another branch.
“That’s the way. We want to spread our wings, and basically all is set for us to start another wing in South Africa,” said Musanhu.
“I will be visiting the neighbouring country to open the branch.”
For the youngsters, there will be only a few days to enjoy their homecoming before they return to school for the third term next Tuesday.
