Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
Africa Football Trials will host an eight-team tournament later this month as a launchpad for a junior football league set to commence next year.
Four academies from the capital will participate in this one-day tournament, with each academy fielding both a U-14 and a U-18 team.
The tournament, which will be held at Greendale Sports Club, will feature Africa Elite Academy, Jadel Football Academy, DC Academy, and another football academy.
Africa Football Trials (AFT) chairperson Gift Mabvudza revealed that the upcoming tournament is a pilot project ahead of next year’s trials week, which aims to open scouting opportunities for budding players across the country.
“We are going to have a tournament that consists of four academies, each bringing in two teams: the U-14 and U-18 teams. This is a pilot project for a larger trials camp we plan to host next year, which aims to give every kid a scouting opportunity by international scouts. We are happy that all is in place for our inaugural tournament that is set for December 20,” said Mabvudza.
The local football administrator said Africa Football Trials will provide opportunities for children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We want to create a platform for talented African players, giving them the chance to fulfill their dreams of playing football at the highest level. It is very expensive for our kids, especially in Africa, to gain exposure. We do not have the resources to fly our kids to Europe to attend these camps.”
Mabvudza also announced that the upcoming tournament will serve as a launchpad for a U-17 junior football league that will consist of 10 teams. The league is set to run from February to September.
“We are using this tournament to launch our Junior League, which will start next year. The league will comprise 10 teams, with league matches played twice a month,” Mabvudza explained.
He added that at the end of the season, the best players from the league will be selected to embark on an international tour.
“At the end of the season, we are going to have a soccer star selection conducted by a panel of coaches, with the main idea of having the team compete outside the country, where they will be exposed to international football,” said Mabvudza.
Online Reporter