Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A VISIT by Scottland chief executive officer Ronald Moyo to Mpopoma Sports Academy has underlined the club’s growing desire to root itself deeper in community and school football as it searches for young talent across Zimbabwe.
The ambitious club is weighing the possibility of formal school partnerships as part of a broader talent identification drive that targets players at an early age.
Moyo attended a Mposa training session at the weekend, where he watched the academy’s girls’ teams and held discussions with the technical leadership. The visit comes as Scottland expands its reach in both men’s and women’s football, with grassroots development now central to its long term vision.
“I am here on an invitation that was extended to me by Mposa. We know that when it comes to women’s football, Mposa is one of the exciting projects in the country,” said Moyo.
“Mpopoma is historically a school with a rich football background, with several top performers having come from here.”
The Scottland chief executive said the club is keen to widen its talent identification net nationwide, with a focus on both boys and girls.
“We are trying to spread our wings in terms of talent identification, be it boys or girls. I think Mpopoma High School is one of the schools we can identify when it comes to talent identification,” he said.
“However, it remains a decision that we will have to sit down and discuss with the club leadership before making a final call. I am impressed by this project.”
The visit follows Mposa’s impressive showing at the Caf Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament 2025, where the academy represented Zimbabwe and returned home with a bronze medal.
The Bulawayo-based side tested themselves against some of the region’s leading academies at the tournament, which was staged at Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
Mposa came up against strong opposition that included South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Malawi’s Luwinga Academy and Aguila Stars Women.
Despite a 6-0 defeat to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, the young Zimbabwean side showed resilience beyond their years. They recovered in the third-place playoff, producing a commanding 4-1 win over Aguila Stars Women to claim a place on the podium.
Their route to bronze also featured a stunning 12-0 demolition of Namibia’s Otjiwarongo Sports Academy and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Luwinga Academy. Away from the results, the girls made an impression with their energy off the pitch, singing and engaging with fellow teams throughout the tournament.
Mposa Academy director James Rugwevera welcomed Moyo’s presence, saying the visit meant a great deal to the players.
“We have started our training and invited the CEO to come and see the girls, and we are happy he came,” said Rugwevera.
With Scottland exploring school partnerships and Mposa continuing to shine beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, the visit may signal the early stages of a collaboration focused on shaping the country’s next generation of footballers.
