Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOLLOWING their impressive run on their maiden appearance at the Vision View TV Easter Cup of Champions, leading Zimbabwean football development institution Legends Academy have been invited for another dance with the tournament this year.
Legends will be part of a cast of top South African youth teams that will feature at the youth festival fiesta, which will run from April 18-21 at Kyalami Pinnacle College in Midrand.
The visit, to South Africa also kicks start a series of tours which Legends are poised to undertake in 2025 and is part of the academy’s drive to not only identify and nurture talent but also ensure the young players are exposed to different cultures and set ups.
According to the organisers of the Easter Cup of Champions, Legends are expected to send a team of 20 players and four coaches.
The decision by the organisers to invite Legends for the second year running has left an academy director and coach, Farai Dhliwayo, purring over the recognition his institution has been getting from the international family.
“At Legends Football Academy Zimbabwe, we remain committed to developing physically fit, mentally strong and technically gifted young footballers and we delighted at being invited to South Africa once again for this top-notch Easter Cup festival, which is also highly interactive,’’ Dhliwayo said.
Last year the tournament, also had a good number of former South African and Zimbabwe internationals such as Mathew Booth, Reneilwe Letsolonyane and Esrom Nyandoro. Zhaimu Jambo and Willard Katsande were in attendance. It featured such teams as Transition Football, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs, Randburg FC, Amatuks, Highlands Park, Orlando Pirates, Dream, Academy, Athletic Club, and Transnet School of Africa. “We understand the need for young footballers to get exposure from a young age, and for many of these young players, our participation in these international events is often their first time getting passports and travelling.
“It is impossible to measure the positive effect this has on broadening their horizons.
Dhliwayo underscored the significance of getting young footballers exposed to professional football set-ups at tender age, citing Legends tour of Sporting Lisbon’s famed Cristiano Ronaldo Academy in Portugal in September 2022. That tour to Portugal was a huge game changer in the approaches and understanding of the game of such young players like Preston Steblecki, Washington Mapuwa, Blessed Mashonganyika and Hermish Charlie, Tadiwa Chakuchichi and Darrel Muusha.
Last year Chakuchichi, then Zimbabwe CAF Schools Under-15 Boys captain, also underwent a technical training session at English Premiership side Everton’s at their Finch Farms complex. Legends are in partnership with the Toffees as part of the Everton International Academy Affiliate Pro-gramme. The programme gives local youngsters quality training in Zimbabwe and access to the latest techniques and methods.
Dhliwayo said such exposure would also stand them in good stead when they return to South Africa for their second date with the Easter Champions tourney. “Our partnership with Everton Football Club has also taught us the importance of competing with the best regional talent as a way of gauging our development efforts. “Our goal is to develop players who are comparable and can compete and eventually play internationally,’’ added Dhliwayo.
