Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE could lose more future stars if football systems in place continue to ignore talent from marginalised areas, an official has said.
With more academies confined in urban areas while the few in hard to reach areas and rural areas lacking resources, few players from the disdvantaged areas have managed to reach the top.
The few that have gone against odds, the likes of Energy Murambadoro (Gokwe) and to an extent Marvelous Nakamba (Hwange), have proved the glaring gap.
The Matengambiri Soccer Tournament, returning to Dambakupetwa Primary School on August 2 in Nyanga, is one of those tournaments that can help identify such talent.
“This is about spotting rural talent that’s been overlooked for too long,” said tournament chairman Sydney Matanhike who is also director of Friendly Academy.
“We’re also using football to fight drug abuse by empowering youth and avoid child marriages in the community.
“Currently, 20 scholars from past editions are reaping the benefits, but the rewards don’t stop there.
“Thirty standout players (15 boys, 15 girls) will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Harare, featuring friendly matches, stadium tours, and a live Premier Soccer League experience.”
Friendly Academy’s success stories include Marshall Munetsi, who rose through its ranks to become an international star.
“We don’t know where the biggest upcoming star and gems lie without trying to unearth them.
“So we are grateful to the Matengambiri Family Trust which partnered with us for such a noble idea for the Nyanga community and they have been pouring resources just to help uplift the community through empowering its youth,” said Matanhike.
