Online Reporter
Mugove Chigada
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND and South African Premiership side Durban City have signed a partnership agreement.
Indications are the two clubs will primarily partner on development of junior players and facilitation of players to move down to South Africa.
The eventual objective of the partnership is to export players to Europe.
The bigger part of the partnership agreement could be the setting up of an academy that could see young players move from here to South Africa for exposure before they even turn 18.
The agreement will also include capacitation of coaches and development of the clubs.
“The investment covers youth development, technical support, exchanges, tournaments and commercial growth,” said Scottland board member Tonderai “Pound” Sakupwanya.
“We share the same vision.
“If you look at them, they have three players that have left their club and gone to play elsewhere.
“Scottland is emulating that… We are going to develop talent and export.
“This is a shared bridge between Zimbabwe and South Africa… building a pipeline from local talent to global opportunity.”
Scottland have some of the best players in the country.
These include promising players like Mafious Chihweta and Tadiwa Chakuchichi, and veterans like Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
Durban City chief executive Younus Kadodia, who led a delegation from his club into the country, said:
“Promotion into the Premier Soccer League and winning the title is a remarkable achievement.
“We are looking at partnering with clubs in Southern Africa who share the same vision with us.
“We have had a number of Zimbabwean players who have played for Durban City and have gone on to excel internationally.
“We are looking at setting up a talent hub here in Zimbabwe. We want to identify youngsters from 13 to 17 years and give them exposure earlier in their career.”
