Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has hailed the formation of a junior league as he revealed his love for junior football development.
The Warriors gaffer made a surprise appearance at the launch of the Africa Football Trials Gloria U-17 Champions League in the capital on Saturday.
Nees reiterated the need for junior football development, revealing his soft sport for grassroots football.
“When my colleague, Jethro Hunidzarira, the technical director approached me yesterday and asked if I would be free today I said yes, I have a window.
“I said no problem, I have a soft spot for development. “I have worked very long in development,” said Nees.
The Gloria U-17 League will champion the message of the importance of the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“When I saw the message there that says kick-out drug and substance abuse among the youth, I said to myself that’s definitely something positive.
“And it must be, of course, not only written and but it must be also lived in a certain way and for that reason I think I am really looking forward to hearing good things about the league from my colleagues.”
Africa Football Trials and the Gloria U-17 League chairperson, Gift Mabvudza, said the reason behind the formation of the league is to fight drug and substance abuse.
“We came together and said we need to, at least, do something which we can be proud of and let’s say we are contributing towards the development of inner peace but, more importantly, to make sure that we help our kids as far as drug and substance abuse is concerned.
“The main thrust of this league is that we are going to help the kids to develop their talents and make sure that we are fighting drugs and substance abuse,” said Mabvudza.
The Gloria U-17 Champions League will feature nine academies.
Eight are based in Harare with one coming from Murehwa. The participating academies are FN Academy, Africa Elite Academy, Golden Eagles Academy, BN Academy, Black Eagles Academy, Jadel Academy HVD Academy, SN Academy and DC Academy.
