Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Dete
FORMER Warriors and Motor Action left back Allan Johnson was in Dete on a scouting mission during the Rhino Champions Cup League(RCCL) festival, a grassroots initiative combining football development with anti-poaching advocacy.
The two-day event drew several rural-based teams, giving youngsters a rare chance to showcase their skills while promoting wildlife conservation. Johnson, now focused on talent identification, said both the quality of play and the organisation of the league impressed him.
“From what I’ve seen here, the ability is amazing. The pitches are not the best, but the boys are moving the ball well and their physique is impressive,” said Johnson.
“I have played with guys like Salim Milanzi from Hwange and goalkeeper Chengerai Dube, who came from this side, so the potential is always there. What matters is giving these youngsters exposure.”
Johnson, who works with agents and academies across Africa to arrange trials abroad, stressed that scouts value consistency and attitude more than flashes of brilliance.
“It’s better to get an average, consistent player than someone brilliant one day and poor the next. At this age, coachability and character are everything,” he explained.
The former defender also praised the Rhino Champions Cup League for its dual focus on football and conservation.
“The fact that this is also an anti-poaching initiative makes it special.
“They’re doing so much for the kids and the community. Exposure is the key and once more people know about it, corporates will also be interested in investing, making the programme stronger,” said Johnson.
Beyond local scouting, Johnson is active across 12 African cities, recruiting student-athletes for US scholarships, coaching at the American International School and running three academies.
He also partners with Spanish side Real Oviedo to identify players with national team potential from the continent.
Recently, he was in Bulawayo where he hosted a youth tournament under Ten Toes Africa, a non-profit organisation promoting grassroots football in communities such as Mzilikazi and Pumula.
Reflecting on his Dete visit, Johnson said the tournament showed how far the Rhino Champions Cup League had come.
“I came all the way from Harare just to watch these boys play. That tells you something about the potential here. This league is on the right path,” he said.
League chief executive officer Ndodana Masuku welcomed Johnson’s presence, saying it marked a turning point.
“This development will go a long way in exposing talent to the outside world,” said Masuku.
The Rhino Champions Cup League is expected to grow as more scouts, coaches and sponsors take notice of its unique blend of sport and conservation.
