Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, recently in Gwanda
VARIOUS schools fought it out in the two-day TwinMat Soccer Academy tournament won by Garanyemba High School on Friday.
The sports gala saw different upcoming talents, Garland Moyo (Garanyambe), Retsephile Ncube (Kafusi), Mandise Dube (Kafusi), Moretsi Malemani (Kafusi), Innocent Sibanda (Bethel), Leonel Menzi (Bethel), Innocent Sibanda (Mkhaliphe), Goitsiimang Dube (Kafusi), Thubalami Mnkandla (Garanyemba) and Mkhulisi Hlongwane (Halisupi) being selected by the academy to pursue their football dreams.
“We are happy that our outreach programme was fruitful. We wish to see these youngsters developing and maturing in the game. It’s a struggle, but we will get them out of the streets,” said academy scout Aleck Nyoni, a former Hwange star.
Nyoni was helping former AmaZulu, Dynamos, Fire Batteries, Kaizer Chiefs, and Warriors winger Kelvin Mushangazhike, who coaches the Academy.
Mushangazhike was impressed by the talent on display.
“There is a bright future for the game both in urban and rural areas. I am happy my directors Reuben Mataka and Twine Phiri are supporting grassroots soccer development around the country. We have to pluck these gems and polish them,” said Mushangazhike, who has also been to Binga on talent identification crusades.
Mataka said he was happy with the proceedings and the talent on display.
“There is so much talent here. I wish to return and watch the kids for a second opinion.
“But in the meantime, one boy has made an impression on us,” said Mataka, a Harare-based lawyer.
His co-director Phiri was also happy with what he saw.
“There is so much talent around the country. I have decided as a way of giving back to sport to go to remote areas and unearth youngsters who I hope can be groomed for the future.
“There is a need for us to invest at the grassroots level, and develop coaches and referees so that they impart good skills to players from an early age. Catching them when they are older could be too late to make them change bad habits despite the talent they have.
“Even if we concluded a deal for one boy, it is worth the sacrifice. Real talent rarely comes in dozens; it’s in bits and drabs. I am happy with the returns from the high expenditure. I am convinced it is the way we must go for talent for the future,” said Phiri.
Recently many players with Binga roots have emerged in the Zimbabwe football landscape.
The Academy has identified some players from Binga and is keen on visiting Plumtree, Kezi, Lupane and Nkayi in search of more unpolished gems. — @[email protected]
Online Reporter