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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
OUTGOING Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Santiago Gomez-Acebo, has written a passionate letter of support recommending the continued existence of Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe.
Gomez-Acebo is winding down his official duties in this country but took his time to throw his weight behind the flourishing nursery which was launched last year.
Real Betis Zimbabwe is a branch of Spanish La Liga side Real Betis.
And Gomez-Acebo, who has closely worked with Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe director Gerald Sibanda, believes the project should continue its operations.
“As I prepare for the termination of my tour of duty as Ambassador of Spain to Zimbabwe in the next few weeks, I wish to express my recommendation to Gerald Sibanda, Director of the Betis Academy Zimbabwe,” Gomez-Acebo wrote. “In the last three-and-a-half-years, I have had the pleasure of frequently working together with Sibanda in the promotion of Spanish sports, and in particular soccer, through his own established initiative in Harare, with the support of one of the best known Spanish clubs, the Real Betis Balompié.
“Our collaborations included the organisation of public sport events and the promotion of the world of sports among the Zimbabwean communities. Given his proven experience and success in the field of international and Zimbabwean sports, as well as his determination and engagement, I strongly support him in any new avenues he may explore in the future.”
Sibanda, a Sables and Cheetahs rugby teams legend, said the support by Spain will give him more energy to work on the project.
Sibanda is currently working on dotting the academy across the continent.
“I feel very honoured and humbled for the wonderful gesture by Ambassador Gomez-Acebo, he has been more than a great friend of Zimbabwe since our launch in 2020, the work we have done together with La Liga and mostly our club Real Betis,” said Sibanda.
“We have received great support from him and the Embassy of Spain. Great synergies have been forged between Zimbabwe and Spain during his mission through our project and this has seen the Betis Academy and all partners of Real Betis, FC Platinum, Doves, Minerva Risk Advisors and Faramatsi Toyota all traveling to Spain through his support.
“I wish him the very best in his next mission with his Government and looking forward to growing and strengthening these relations with the incoming Ambassador.
“I feel greatly humbled by this overwhelming support.
Online Reporter