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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
JADEL Football Academy wrapped up the year with an awards ceremony over the weekend, in Beijing, China, to honour outstanding players and parents for 2021.
The academy was formed in 2019 by former Zimbabwe youth international footballer, Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, and focuses on youth football development.
There were a number of awards that were given out over the weekend, including the Rookie Player Award, The Most Generous Player, The Most Consistent Player, The Most Improved Players, Players’ Player of the Year, Player of the Year and Best Parent Volunteer Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Musanhu said he is pleased with the academy’s growth.
“We indeed have grown in leaps and bounds, thanks to all of us here present and in absentia. Special thanks to the biggest supporter, the parents and family. You entrusted your children with us and were brave enough to take the leap of faith which started the journey of a thousand miles.
“I’m also thankful to the great nation of China, the authorities, community and all our service providers that have made this great project and to be what it has become.
“To the coaches, administrators and all the staff, I am humbled and touched by the dedication and genuine love for our players. We are here today because of your sacrifices, dedication and passion.
“To the players, the reason why we are here, we are so excited by your progress and what the future holds for you and for us because of your hard work, commitment and skills.
“You are indeed the pride of Jadel and you embody all that is right about the philosophy and psychology of sports that is hard work, team spirit, fair play and excellence. With that in mind, we are setting up the Hall of Fame to recognise our players that have shown these attributes consistently without wavering,” said Musanhu.
The academy caters for different age-groups, divided into three to six-year-olds, six to eight-year-olds, eight to 11-year-olds, Under-13 and Under-15.
Musanhu said he is inspired by his background and glad to be involved with the development of the young players.
“I once thought that being born in the ghetto (Mbare in Harare, Zimbabwe) was a curse. “But I then realised that you don’t just find gold on a smooth nice place but you find it in the rough dirty mines and the greatness that God will reveal in me is a product of the challenges I went through in the rough environment of the ghetto (Mbare).”
The Rookie Player award in the Under-6 went to Noah while Patrick and Wake won in the Under-7 and Under-8 respectively. Daniel Gu and Tony Li won the Under-9 and Under-12.
Eason, Hanson, Ethan Liu, Daniel and Simba got the Most Consistent Player awards in their respective age-groups from Under-6 to Under-12.
Harry, Brayden, William Song, Luis and Leon got the Early Birds while the Most Disciplined award went to Alex, Jonee, Michael, Andy and David Du.
The Best Goalkeeper award went to Miki, Brayden, Oscar and Thomas.
Best Girl Player was won by Momo in the Under-7, Elsa and Emma in the Under-9 while the Best Girl player for 2019 to 2021 went to Sarah.
Damien, Lucas, Tontong, Luca and Leon were honoured with the Most Improved Player Award.
William Xie, Ethan Hu, Daniel Du, Jeffrey, Howard, Jyden, Xichen, Alexander, and Ethan Zhao got the Coach’s Award.
Players’ Player of the Year award was won by Justin, Wake Kevin and Ano while Player of the Year accolade went to Alec, Brayden, David Lie and Gary.
Musanhu runs the Jadel Football Academy with the help of his brother, former Dynamos defence stalwart, Chamu Musanhu, who is now based in Liverpool, England.
Online Reporter