Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
RURAL-based Mutukwa Academy have received just the kind of major boost they have been longing for after Scottland president Pedzai “Scott’’ Sakupwanya pledged to buy the Mashonaland Central Division 2B outfit a luxury team bus.
Mutukwa Academy are based in Chiweshe but draw their playing talent from around Mashonaland Central province, including areas such as Mazowe, Mvurwi, Kanyemba, and Concession. On Wednesday, the academy toured the Scottland Village in Ruwa, where the Mabvuku-Tafara Member of Parliament, Sakupwanya, is building a State-of-the-Art centre of excellence.
They also played a friendly match against Scottland Academy.
But the biggest takeaway from their visit to Ruwa was the surprise announcement that came during the academy’s tour of Scottland Village in Ruwa, where players and coaches observed the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions’ professional set-up and attended their otherwise closed-door training session.
The pledge targets one of the academy’s biggest logistical problems as they push for promotion and continues to develop young talent from Chiweshe and its environs.
For Mutukwa Academy, however, the visit to Scottland Village delivered far more than a learning experience.
Mutukwa Academy patron Edward Mutukwa expressed gratitude to Sakupwanya and Scottland for hosting the academy and supporting their vision.
“We are grateful to Honourable Sakupwanya and the whole Scottland staff. They welcomed us and gave us an opportunity to learn and see the future of football.
“The Honourable has also pledged to give us a bus, and we are grateful for the gesture. It will make our players realise that the dream is real. It is very noble of him to remember the plight of rural players.”
Mutukwa challenged the academy’s players to use the visit as motivation to pursue professional football.
“Football is no longer a part-time activity; it is now a career. Players can earn a living through it, so you need to take this profession seriously. It is up to you to shape your future.
“Here at Scottland there are several people we can look up to, people who have worked hard and reached the top,’’ Mutukwa said.
Sakupwanya revealed that he had drawn a lot of inspiration and some lessons from former Black Rhinos chairman Mutukwa.
“I have learnt a lot from Colonel (Edward Mutukwa). Our relationship dates way back, and we also have a common connection through Black Rhinos,’’ Sakupwanya said.
“As a boy, I used to train with Rhinos, and I have many fond memories. That is why we continue to play friendly matches with their academies.
“It is wisdom, you have to respect those who helped shape you.”
After watching the Chiweshe-based academy in session, Sakupwanya was satisfied with what he saw.
“I am delighted to say I have been impressed with some of the boys. I understand the academy does not have a bus yet, and I will buy you one.
“The Colonel is doing an excellent job in uplifting rural talent, and that cannot go unnoticed.”
Sakupwanya’s pledge is the biggest corporate gesture that the academy has received since its inception.
It could also spur on the team, currently third on the Mashonaland Central Division 2B log table, to push for promotion into Division One.
Mutukwa Academy are one point behind log leaders Ngula Ngula and level on points with second-placed Rosa Pirates.
The arrival of experienced coach Kifton “Somalia’’ Kadurira also underscores the academy’s ambitions.
Scottland have their own ambitions too of winning their second Premiership title on the bounce after their historical success on their PSL debut last year.
They visit Highlanders for a Match-day 23 assignment, looking to equal Bosso’s 10-match winning run set in 2006, ironically the last time the Bulawayo giants, then under Methembe Ndlovu, won the championship.
