Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ACCLAIMED Zimbabwe football nursery, Jadel Academy, have been handed yet another opportunity to shine at a global scale after they were invited to defend the 100 Teams Cup in Beijing, China, in August.
The grassroots side made history after becoming the first team from Africa to win this tournament last year.
And, they have been invited to participate at the 42nd edition of the annual Under-13 showpiece that attracts more than 100 teams from across the world.
The tournament will run from August 8-16.
But before the Zimbabwean youngsters can plunge into this fiesta, they will get a huge chance not only to fine-tune their act but win the Thaiwoo Cup next month.
The Under-11 edition will run from July 6-15 while the Under-13 will run from July 16-25.
Academy director Walter “Ringer” Musanhu said:
“We are excited to announce that JFA has been invited to participate in the Thaiwoo Cup Youth football championship in Thaiwoo Ski Town from 6 – 15 (U11) and 16 – 25(13) July 2025 and the 42nd 100 Teams Cup football tournament in Beijing from 8 – 16 August 2025.
“The Championship has been successfully held for six consecutive years since 2018, and has become a traditional competition, and JADEL FA won it last year, and this year, we will be defending our title.
“As you are aware, JFA has branches in China, the United States of America and Zimbabwe, our mission is to enhance football skills among young players whilst fostering their holistic development through the sport.
“We also facilitate sports tourism and cultural exchange programs, enabling our players to experience diverse cultures through travel.
“And our participation in these two tournaments dovetail with our mission. Further, we have currently embarked on a project known as JADEL FA 2034 World Cup Project whose objective is to produce a strong and capable national team made of mainly locally based players from all over Zimbabwe, with the ultimate goal of participating in the 2034 World Cup.”
In their bid to raise the required funds for the upcoming tournaments, JFA have put together a fundraising dinner to be hosted in Harare this Saturday.
“We are seeking sponsors to come on board as we are looking at raising something in the region of US$60 000 to see through this trip.
“We have players who are already being earmarked for signing by big clubs in China and this is their chance. We really need to see this trip through,” added Musanhu.
