Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
ENTHUSIASTIC Jadel Football Academy youngsters showed no signs of boredom as they went through their paces for the first time in three days ahead of the 100 Cup contest resumption here today.
The annual football fiesta was on ice for the past three days due to the sweeping Typhoon Dolphin, which had prompted Chinese authorities to issue an “Orange Alert,” with tournament organisers halting action to safeguard the young players.
The storm had churned inland in the Chinese Hubei Province on Monday, and it also hit Beijing, where the 100 Cup jamboree is being held, although its destructive power had died down.
And after spending about 72 hours indoors, the young players were back at training yesterday with their keenness visible for all to see.
There are nine players who travelled from Jadel FA Zimbabwe and are fusing with Jadel FA China across the three different age category teams competing in the globally recognised event.
Already, the U-12 side are through to the Round-of-32 after winning their first three of four games in their group.
The final group match is on this Saturday, and the result will determine whether they will finish first or second in the pool.
The U-13 team will play both their group games today as they are in a pool with only three teams.
Club director Walter “Ringers” Musanhu said, “I am happy the boys are very happy after spending the last two days indoors. The precaution was very necessary, and it’s encouraging now to see them in the mood they are in right now.
“I am quite confident that they will play well in their games and help us manoeuvre our way to the advanced stages of the tournament.
“I am satisfied with how they are playing and training.”
The 100 Cup has more than 100 teams, and scouts are all over the place to look for outstanding talent.
“This is an opportunity for the young players from both Zimbabwe and China to get noticed.
“The boys from Zimbabwe can even be lucky if noticed to even get football scholarships.
“This is how important this tournament is,” added Musanhu.
“That is the reason why I am always trying to push them to win because the more they win, the more games they play and the more eyeballs they get from scouts.
“It has always been my dream to see players from Zimbabwe, especially these youngsters, changing their life trajectory through football.
“I am happy the attitude they are showing is positive, and I hope that can carry them on in this tournament and get to be scouted.
“I know opportunities are abundant in this tournament. We have those observing from a distance because we have some of the games streamed live.
“We also have a lot of those looking for talent right at every game. It is my wish to see one or two of the players getting that opportunity.
That will certainly change their life. I am also sure the exposure they are getting will improve their well-being, whether in football or in general life.”
Jadel FA U12 once won the 100 Cup in 2024, and this is their fourth successive year fielding teams across all categories.
The 100 Cup is now in its 43rd year, and its traction across the globe is growing by the day.
