Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
JADEL Football Academy’s Under-13 side will chase a place in the 100 Cup final here this morning after going one better than last year’s quarter-final finish, with the final scheduled for later this afternoon.
The academy’s run has also caught the attention of scouts, with three players being considered for further assessments in Europe after passing what was described as an “aptitude test”.
Jadel will remain in Beijing after the tournament, with scouts arranging about seven more matches to assess other players in the touring party.
The academy is competing at the 100 Cup for the fourth successive year. More than 100 youth teams from across the world are taking part in the 43rd edition.
For this tournament, Jadel’s Zimbabwean players are playing alongside Chinese counterparts.
Jadel founder and head coach Walter “Ringers” Musanhu said the academy had improved on last year’s performance.
“The Under-12 squad reached the last 16 in an age group which had 70 teams,” he said.
“The Under-13 team has advanced to the semi-finals and can also play in the final on the same day if they win.
“I am very happy because last year, the same team was knocked out in the quarter-finals.
“The boys have done really well, and the scouts are all over watching them.”
On the eve of the semi-final, the youngsters spoke to Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba and 1996 Soccer Star of the Year Stewart “Shutto” Murisa through video calls.
Murisa called from the United Kingdom, while former Warriors striker Gilbert Mushangazhike, who is based here, joined the players for dinner and answered questions about his travels, earnings and life as a professional footballer.
Nakamba, who is preparing for life in the Greek top-flight, urged the youngsters to make the most of an opportunity similar to the one he received at their age.
“At your age, playing for an academy just like what you are doing with Jadel FA, I had the same privilege, flying across the seas to play the game,” said Nakamba.
“It was such an eye-opening opportunity for me, and I will tell you that I never looked back from that moment.
“You should thank God that there is someone who has remembered you and decided to give you this international platform.
“Don’t ever drop it. Play with your hearts and remain focused. Never give in to social pressures because that is how you can end up wasting yourselves.
“At your age, I learnt how to take care of myself, and you should do the same. Just like you, I am a ghetto boy who, through hard work and dedication, ultimately made it in football.”
