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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
UNITED States-based former Zimbabwe national team and Highlanders player Methembe Ndlovu has spoken glowingly about the high quality grassroots football talent found in the country.
Ndlovu is back in Zimbabwe on vacation and was the lead scout at the two-day BN Academy Scholarship Opportunities Soccer Trials held at Belgravia Sports Club yesterday and the day before.
Now head coach at Trinity University in the United States, Ndlovu oversaw over 200 junior players trying their luck, and said there is hope in terms of talent but more needs to be done to produce top class players.
“It is good to be back home and I am very privileged to be part of this year’s BN Academy scouting team. The programme went on well and there was a lot of players with potential who came on board.
“I am looking forward to have at least two players to take on board but with the help of some connections, I hope we will have more players making it to the United States.
“There is so much support from parents and the youngsters are so committed which is good for football development,” said Ndlovu.
The grassroots football mentor, who is credited with nurturing many junior players who went on to make it on the big stage through his Bantu Rovers project, is expected to return to his base in Bulawayo today.
Ndlovu, has given a breakthrough to a number of high profile players such as Marvelous Nakamba, who is now in the books of English Premier Soccer League side Aston Villa, Kuda Mahachi, Danny Phiri, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and United States-based Zimbabwe international Teenage Hadebe, among several others.
Ndhlovu has done a lot of football work in Bulawayo in the last two decades. He also holds the distinction as the last coach to win the domestic top-flight league title with Bulawayo giants Highlanders back in 2006.
BN Academy director, Bekhimpilo Ncube, said he was happy with the trials and is hopeful the talented players that impressed during the two-day selection will get an opportunity to chase their dreams abroad.
“The programme was an eye-opener to us ahead of the 2023 season.
“We have a lot of talented youngsters who, if given the chance, will make it as professional players.
“We had a lot of coaches who attended the trials and we are grateful for the support. There is a lot we have to consider in terms of scholarship and we thank Methembe, a high profile coach with Trinity University, for taking time to consider the talent at our disposal,” said Ncube.
Online Reporter