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Mutsawashe Mashandure Youth Interactive Writer
Weeks after the new sporting academy, “Dragon Force F.C Porto’ was launched, already some teenagers and youths have hailed the organisers for the great initiative to grow and develop young talent.
The academy is nurturing talent from 3-20 years old who will then have an opportunity to participate on an international level — a chance to travel to Portugal among other countries.
A visit last weekend at Alex Sports Club, where the budding young sports personnel were training revealed that they were happy and waiting for the opportunity.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle, Youth Interactive section visited some of the teens at the sports field and revealed that they were excited about the initiative.
Some of them who spoke to the Youth Interactive crew said the academy, will equip the youth with not only sporting but life principles, values, norms, discipline, and standards of leadership.
They said it is highly welcomed.
14-year-old Tinotenda Manyamaropa from Ashdown Park who had come to register said the need for the academy is essential and comes at the right time.
“I am overwhelmed with joy, the academy is no surprise to me because I have been playing soccer with my friends at school for quite some time and this is something that has been largely demanded by my peers,” he said.
“My dream is to go to Portugal and France to meet some of my favourite players. The registration process was smooth and I am happy I now have my uniform. My mother will be dropping me weekends for my training.”
In addition, he disclosed that he expects this academy to instill in young people the necessary skills and values needed for them to be good leaders and problem solvers, “and create purposeful, fulfilling lives for themselves and learn how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others.”
Terrence Gotora (16) of Chisipite also appreciated the academy host for professionalism compared to previous academies which had been dubious.
“The academy needs to be the hub that creates soccer stars to meet the international standards. We are happy as youngsters that our dreams are finally coming true,” he said.
Another soccer fanatic, Claud Karangwa, from Belvedere believes that the academy is going to shape future leaders in sport, something that was needed especially since it was not in any academic curriculum.
“It will teach learners everything a leader ought to be in depth.”
Commenting on his expectations, Claud pointed out that he expects players to access high soccer skills to build a better future.
“The academy will inspire youth in many ways into being soccer legends of today and tomorrow; also the fact that it is going to equip them with the required values, principles and everything about leadership, there is no doubt the academy’s scheme is very important.”
19-year-old Martin Gadziko said that the academy is a very commendable move.
“We have to seize the opportunity when our elders are still around and learn from them. Thank you, academy founders,” he said.
He pointed out that he expects the academy to teach young people fundamental skills, values, and practices that made some of the prominent soccer players this prosperous in such a short period, and point at the undoing and loopholes that they should fill.
“Given that experience is the best teacher, I also expect this academy to go a step further and, in partnership with different organisations, it is a great move.”
However, Dragon Force F.C Porto Zimbabwe Director Tichaona Mawoni said the project is meant to nurture, develop, and keep talent from Africa to the international level.
“We want to use football as a tool for development and trade. If you empower a footballer, you have empowered a household.”
After the opening January of the football School in Fortaleza, Brazil, the implementation of the Dragon Force International Certification at FC Beira, in Mozambique, FC Porto opens now the Dragon Force Academy in Harare, Zimbabwe, making it the third project to be implemented internationally in 2023 by Dragon Force Academy.
Online Reporter