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Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
REAL Betis Academy Zimbabwe chairman Gerald Sibanda hopes to build on the relationship and synergies they created with their parent club in Spain to promote budding football talent in Zimbabwe.
The academy delegation of players and coaches returned home on Wednesday after a 10-day tour of the Spanish La Liga side Real Betis’ headquarters.
The players had a chance to train and engage in some matches with the side’s academy.
A total of 23 players, ranging from nine to 17-years-old, had a rare opportunity to train at the Spanish academy with players from different parts of the world. They had an opportunity to be coached by Real Betis academy coaches.
“We really learnt a lot. It was an eye-opening trip and has definitely imparted something different for our players which will then rub on to the rest of the entire academy project and also the youth players that we will interact with going forward,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda said their aim is now to give opportunities to disadvantaged players from marginalised areas.
“Our key drive is now to impart the image of Real Betis to the region and outskirts of Zimbabwe, the remote areas, the vulnerable communities.
“We are now putting a strong emphasis that in 2023 we have a strong drive towards empowering the vulnerable communities so that we close that gap and give the youth hope through football.
“Real Betis is a home for all Zimbabweans for many years to come. As we seek international recognition as a country, one of the biggest European and Spanish La Liga clubs with a proud, rich history chose us.
“They have been more than a bigger brother and sister to our people. Zimbabwean talent belongs on the big stage. Let us embrace the synergies offered by Real Betis in our continuous development as a football loving nation.
“We want to reach youth in the outskirts and far regions of Zimbabwe. We want inclusivity in the game, especially to the vulnerable communities, so they can find a better life through football and sport.
“In 2023, we have a key focus to reach those communities and give them Betis, give them our image and football as a way of life,” said Sibanda.
The tour is also likely going to open doors for some of the academy senior players such as Nokutenda Mangezi, Tashinga Muzadzi, Nigel Limula and Miguel Bones who are now ready to break into professional football.
Sibanda said the senior players were now on the Spanish academy’s tracking system.
“We are so excited our senior players were outstanding and they got their feedback and reports from Betis. They are now being tracked in the Real Betis system as they progress and we look forward to them also finding commercial contracts, anytime and anytime soon,” Sibanda said.
He added that the trip was of value to everyone from the youngest player to the technical team.
“So we are very excited for the senior players and the younger players, they now know what is required to play at a very high level which will then also rub off on everyone at the academy.
“The same as our coaches, they know the blueprint they have been working with in the past but the exposure and physical impartation of knowledge and methodology were more important. So we are excited to be back home and everyone is good,” said Sibanda.
Online Reporter