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Sports Reporter
LMC Junior Academy Football Club were crowned champions of Ajax Hotspurs Under-18 Youths Festival after beating Ajax 3-0 and Toronto 1-0 in a round robin tournament played at Mpopoma grounds on Saturday.LMC walked away with a trophy and a football kit.
Speaking during the handover of the trophy and the warm-up kit which coincided with the LMC’s end of year award presentations ceremony, the guest of honour, Bulawayo junior league chairman Mkhululi Mthunzi urged the junior academy clubs and players to take football as a serious profession for living.
He urged the young players to maintain discipline for them to realise their potential in football.
“The purpose of grooming young talented footballers to become football greats from the junior academy can only be achieved and be fruitful if young players desist from taking alcohol and maintain discipline.
“Football is the most paying job in the country and the world over, if you take it seriously you can go far. Renowned players like Ronald ‘Gidiza’ Sibanda, Benjani Mwaruwari and Peter Ndlovu started their football careers from these dusty grounds, so this is a challenge to you youngsters,” said Mthunzi.
Mthunzi also denounced cases of player theft and age-cheating which is rampant in junior leagues.
“Cases of player theft and age-cheating have no room in Zimbabwean football even internationally. Issues of this nature kills football, you will not go anywhere. Coaches should not allow unlicensed players to play competitive soccer and should avoid stealing players and age-cheating, it is a very serious offence which goes with a charge,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, an elated LMC football club president and founder, John Chakanza praised his team for continuing its winning ways despite financial constraints affecting the team.
“As one of the directors of this junior team and the entire executive, we are very happy for the success of LMC despite financial constraints.
“The team managed to win a trophy this season, it is something beneficial for our club and this will motivate our young talented players to continue to work hard,” said Chakanza.
The junior players from the LMC Academy were presented with various prizes in different categories where Brandon Sibanda, son to Ronald ‘Gidiza’ Sibanda and Singatsho ‘Musona’ Tshabalala won the most consistent player and the player of the season respectively.
Online Reporter