Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
HELLENICS Sports Club was on Sunday a hive of activity as two academies – Legends Academy and Bright Stars Academy – took to the field for a friendly game of football.
Young boys, some as young as eight, animatedly participated in the day’s activities cheered on by their parents, while coaches barked instructions from the touchline.
An 11-year-old boy nicknamed Pogba by his teammates seemed to attract interest from onlookers.
His real name, however, is Tawananyasha Museba, who plays for Bright Stars’ Under-12 side.
His father, Jameson, was one of the loudest supporters.
It seems parents are now increasingly involved in their children’s sporting careers, as most look to be slowly buying into the idea that football can be a career.
“My son is at Bright Stars Academy, which is based in Norton. He started playing there at a very young age.
“He was four-years-old, to be exact.
“As a parent, I have been supportive of him by providing finances that are needed to train and play for the club,” Museba told The Sunday Mail Online.
“It’s very important for parents to identify their children’s talent, especially at a young age.
“I managed to identify my son’s passion for football because at the age of three he would watch soccer on TV every weekend.
“He knew most of the English and Spanish clubs. He knew all the players, and I could see he had a passion for this game.
“I realised I needed to support him to pursue his dream.”
Bright Stars Academy is the brainchild of renowned Norton-based junior football coach Cephas Bhobho.
It is home to 46 junior footballers, some of whom are from Harare.
The kids are inspired by the fact that one of the best players Zimbabwe has ever produced – Knowledge Musona – hails from Norton.
“It was hard when we started some years ago, but now life has been made easier because parents are now chipping in.
“We also have some corporates … coming in to assist,” said Bhobho.
Bright Stars Academy are set to tour Germany early next year after they were invited for the GB Foundation tournament set for April.
“We are also expecting to go to Sweden for the Gothea Cup sometime next year. We have a number of talented players and we want to make sure they are exposed to international environments at a young age.
“We have received a lot of support from the parents.
“It’s good to note that parents are beginning to realise that football is a career. They have also realised that they have to support their children.”
Norton-based Fortunate Munetsi, who also has a son playing for Bright Stars Academy, urged parents “to give an ear and eye to what your children will be doing”.
“These youngsters get motivated when we, as parents, follow them at the grounds and watch what they will be doing.
“I would like to encourage all parents to follow their kids when they are going out for games. I am so motivated to watch my boy play,” said Munetsi.
She is inspired by a number of Zimbabwean footballers who transformed their lives through the sport.
“Football is a game-changer; it can change one’s life,” she says.
“We can learn from our soccer stars who are playing outside this nation. Some have transformed their lives through these ball games, so we just encourage parents to support their children.”
Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tino Kadewere (Real Mallorca), Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs) and Nyasha Mushekwi, who is plying his trade in China, are some of the Zimbabwean footballers living large owing to the huge perks they get from their clubs.
Online Reporter