R G Mugabe Under-20 schools tourney hots up

“It has been a long time since I left football administration and I feel extremely honoured when I am asked to help at this tournament.

“I believe that the Under-20 tournament is an important football event since the Under-20s are the embryos for our future national teams.

“In pursuing talent, coaches have mainly focused on the major urban centres while overlooking the abundant talent outside these areas,” said Sambo.

Sambo said some of the successful African teams like Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria derive their success from such junior programmes.

“We urge all coaches from districts, clubs to the national teams to converge at Kutama College to support this initiative,” he said.

NASH vice president in charge football, Albert Maphosa, paid tribute to President Mugabe for supporting the development of sporting talent.

“We are extremely grateful to Cable Mail for sponsoring this tournament and our gratitude goes to President Mugabe for encouraging the sponsors to expand from district to national level,” said Maphosa.
A spokeperson for the sponsors, Cable Mail, Shadreck Nikisi, said there was no substitute for supporting grassroots structures.

“As Cable Mail, schools are our lifeline. We depend on them for the sustenance of our business.
“This is why we felt it imperative giving back to the constituency that support us.
“By investing in football development and talent identification we will be exposing our children to foras where their skills will be recognised,” said Nikisi.