Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
LEGENDARY Warriors and Black Rhinos midfielder Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa has of late been relentless in his pursuit to churn out the next big stars for the country.
He recently returned from a month-long tour of China with Jadel Football Academy with his hand heavily involved in the development of prospective Chinese Super League forward Anotida Kashitiku (17).
The former Warriors midfielder, who also played for CAPS United and Glens Strikers, believes the deteriorating football standards in the country are a result of neglect in grassroots football.
It is from these structures that he unearthed players like Menard Mupera, Nicholas Gora, Kastigu Juwakinyu and Brighton Chandisaita among others.
And his search for raw, untapped talent today takes him to Muzokomba in Buhera where he will grace the Tawanda Marwizi Sports Gala where more than 30 social teams are taking part.
Marwizi, a Harare businessman, is a journalist by profession who has had stints with Zimpapers Entertainment but has keen interest in football development.
Mutizwa said: “Football standards in this country have sharply declined.
“There is no question mark about that. But we should not blame anyone for this situation.
“We are all to blame because back in our heyday, there were proper football structures feeding into the professional leagues.
“It was superb and you would find proper players from anywhere across the country.
“You should remember that players weren’t only coming from towns and cities. There were a lot coming from the rural areas too.
“The likes of Energy Murambadoro, Hope Chihota, Tafadzwa Maingire, you name them, all come to mind.
“I am certainly ready to scout players in Buhera and recommend them to professional teams in second and first divisions as well as in the Premier Soccer League.
“We have our Jadel Football Academy also ready to absorb some for further development…”
Marwizi said his inaugural tournament marks the beginning of a new chapter for football and netball prospects in his home area.
Today’s proceedings will be wrapped off by a musical gala featuring one of the most-sought-after song-master Mark Ngwazi.
“Growing up in Muzokomba, I have seen vast potential going to waste due to a lack of exposure,” said Marwizi.
“My heart bleeds to see a continuation of this and the tournament is there to bridge that gap.
“In the next few years, we would like to see netball players and footballers from Muzokomba making it big in the local and international leagues.”
