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Curtworth Masango – Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa is encouraged by efforts on the ground to develop young footballers, but believes more can be done to maximise on talent available.
He was speaking after the recently concluded four day FC Porto Academy Zimbabwe training camp that brought together over 200 aspiring footballers aged 5 to 18 from across the country.
The former Warriors coach said such initiatives, and others being done by other cademies, are important in addressing Zimbabwe’s technical deficiencies in football.
“We have a national problem, especially in football basics; technique, ball control, passing, and movement off the ball,” said Chidzambwa.
“If you watch local matches, sometimes players struggle to control the ball or string together three passes. The key is to catch them young, and that’s what we’re doing here, teaching fundamentals that will shape their future.”
He stressed the need for nationwide replication of such programs to elevate Zimbabwean football.
“These basics are universal. A player who masters them can compete anywhere in the world,” Chidzambwa added.
FC Porto Academy coach Assah Gwatinyanya expressed satisfaction with the camp’s turnout and the players’ eagerness to learn.
“This was one of our best camps yet,” he said.
“The youngsters showed incredible passion, skill, and talent. We’ve identified a few players outside our academy who adapted well to our methodologies.”
Participants were exposed to the elite training in line with FC Porto standards, with standout players earning spots in the academy for further development.
The academy shares strong ties with its parent club in Portugal, offering a direct pathway for budding talents as a gateway to European football.
Online Reporter