dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
JADEL Football Academy have the world under their feet after clipping the Under-11 100 Cup at the oversubscribed Beijing Xibeiwang Xiyuhe Village Base last week.
The Zimbabwe grassroots project rolled over everyone on their way to clinching the coveted trophy in a tournament that attracted over 100 teams from across the world.
Boasting of players from both Zimbabwe and China, the two countries where the nursery operates in, JFA were perfect from match-day one until their 5-4 win over Indo Soccer FC in the final.
This was their second appearance at the global meet having debuted last year.
Coach Walter Musanhu, who is also the founder of the academy was named the coach of the tournament.
And he was full of praise for the youngsters who he is also earmarking for the senior national team in Zimbabwe’s audacious bid to qualify for the 2034 World Cup.
“Football is a force that transcends languages and cultures. My team is made up of children of different colours and languages, but their common language is football.
“In the daily training life, the children not only learn football skills, but also learn culture from each other in daily life,” said Musanhu.
“I am very happy with this individual recognition but I am extremely excited with the youngsters.
“We prepared well for the tournament but it is not all about winning.
“The boys got the much-needed exposure on the international scene and they will never be the same again.
“There was also cultural exchange programs during the tournament so it wasn’t really just about the football but also about learning different trends and cultures across the world.
“The boys were very happy with the experience and it is not going to be a once-off thing. We will try to be consistent in these initiatives.”
The youngsters who travelled from Jadel Academy Zimbabwe include;
Tafara Machiwenyika, Oneas Nyateka, Nicole Tashinga Wilbesi, Malcom Tadiwanashe Dinyero, Liam Moyo, Christiano Konono, Ashley Tanatswa Zimbawu, Sean Pesani, Nyashadzashe Mordecai Tungwarara, Alisha Muhammed and Farali Murisho.
Online Reporter