Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FAR away from the pressure and weekly scrutiny of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, veteran coach Jairos Tapera has quietly returned to where he believes Zimbabwean football’s future is truly shaped — junior development.
After leaving Premier Soccer League side Manica Diamonds last year, Tapera swapped packed stadia for the dusty training grounds in Kwekwe.
Tapera came within touching distance of delivering a historic Premiership title for Manica Diamonds in 2023.
Things then took a nosedive and the gaffer packed his bags and left Manicaland in June last year.
The former national Under 20 coach is back in youth development, investing his experience in the next generation through the JT Academy.
It is a move that perfectly captures the veteran coach’s enduring impact on local football.
For years, Tapera has been one of Zimbabwe’s respected football minds.
His coaching journey saw him lead FC Platinum’s youth development department, Shabanie Mine, Black Leopards in South Africa and former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Yadah.
Tapera enjoyed a memorable spell at Manica Diamonds, transforming the Mutare side into genuine Premier Soccer League title contenders.
In 2023, he masterminded a remarkable campaign that saw the Gem Boys finish runners-up behind Ngezi Platinum Stars, their highest finish in the Premier Soccer League.
His reputation also earned him the responsibility of leading the Warriors on an interim basis during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Yet despite his credentials and interest from clubs, Tapera has chosen a different path.
“There has been interest from some clubs but for now I am dedicating my time to junior football development,” he said.
“We have a lot of exciting players here in Kwekwe and surrounding areas and I want to make sure that talent blossoms.”
Rather than waiting for another Premiership opportunity, Tapera is focused on strengthening the game’s foundations by identifying, nurturing and mentoring young talent in Kwekwe and sorrounding areas.
His efforts are already bearing fruit.
JT Academy’s Under-15 side has earned an invitation to participate in the second edition of the Dinaledi International Football Cup, scheduled for July 18 to 19 in Oodi, Botswana.
The tournament will feature leading academies from across Southern Africa, including South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Kagiso Sports School of Excellence, Namibia’s Dokkies Schmidt Football Academy, and Botswana giants Township Rollers and Gaborone United Sporting Club.
For Tapera, the invitation is validation that his project is moving in the right direction.
“We are excited by this development which will obviously expose the young talent we have on the international stage,” he said.
The academy has also enjoyed growing support from the Kwekwe community, with prominent businessman Shepherd Chahwanda — owner of Premier Soccer League side Hardrock FC — among those backing the initiative.
JT Academy will use Chahwanda Stadium as its training base ahead of the Botswana tournament.
The invitation from Dinaledi Academy reflects the growing reputation of Tapera’s project.
Held under the theme ‘Football Without Borders – Introducing Professional Football Development to Botswana’, the tournament aims to expose young players to elite competition while promoting professional football development across the region.
“This is another opportunity to showcase the talent emerging from Zimbabwe.
“By returning to grassroots football, I think we are also helping build the pipeline that will supply future Premier Soccer League stars and Warriors internationals,” said Tapera.
His latest chapter may be unfolding away from the spotlight, but it could ultimately become one of the most significant contributions of his coaching career.
For now, Tapera has decided to build a legacy away from the PSL touchline, but on dusty training fields where tomorrow’s stars first learn to dream.
