Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
THE devastating Typhoon Dolphin, which dragged further inland in the Chinese central Hubei Province early yesterday, has forced the freezing of the ongoing 100 Cup tournament in which Zimbabwe’s Jadel Football Academy are part of after authorities issued an “Orange Alert” on Monday.
The Chinese National Meteorological Centre had to issue the orange alert, the second-highest warning level in this country, due to the intensity of the rains, which can possibly spread to all parts, including Beijing.
Jadel FA are in the Chinese capital for the famous annual 100 Cup fiesta, for which they are in their fourth year of participation.
However, action has been halted in the riveting jamboree until at least Friday, when the typhoon, one of the most severe to be recorded in recent times, is expected to have subsided.
Jadel FA founder and director Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, who is also officially the head coach for the nursery, said: “Due to the orange rainstorm warning issued in Beijing, all Hundred Cup matches have been postponed in order to ensure children’s safety.
“The games have all been rescheduled, and as such, we have put in place all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our young athletes.
“Be assured that all the youngsters from Zimbabwe and those from China are sound.”
Jadel FA U-13 team was pencilled to kickstart their campaign with two group matches yesterday, while the high-flying U-12 side were set to wrap-up their group business with a single game today.
But the matches have been moved further to Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Jadel FA U-12s are in top form after winning their opening three group games, and they have already secured their spot in the Round-of-32 with a game to spare.
“Our U-13 games will now be played on Friday at the National Olympic Sports Centre, while the U-12 team will now play on Saturday at the Yinghai Football Park,” added Musanhu.
“I am very happy that the players are showing a lot of courage and enthusiasm. It is my hope that they will win the cup as they did in 2024.”
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean community living in China has come out in huge numbers in support of the Jadel FA initiative.
Former Warriors striker Gilbert Mushangazhike, who also spent years playing in the Chinese Super League, applauded the exposure that Jadel FA is giving the kids.
“The size of the 100 Cup tournament is massive, and to see these boys who have come all the way from Mbare, Glen View, Mabvuku taking part is ultimate,” said Mushangazhike.
“I once came here with Jadel FA, and I always owe it to them that I am now working elsewhere in China. The exposure that the 100 Cup fiesta can give to these children is immense and immeasurable.
“This is what Zimbabwean kids need at this stage of growth. They can never be the same again.”
There are others who decided to second their children under Jadel FA, including Lorraine Magumbu, Mukundi Wangu’s mother.
“We stay maybe two hours away, but we decided to take our son to an academy which is owned by one of our own,” said Magumbu.
“We feel that we also have a duty to support each other when we are here. As a community of Zimbabweans living here in China, we are proud to be there for each other.”
For Sharon Mugabe, Jadel FA is moving mountains in promoting cultural pollination and good effects.
“We are living in a global village and what Jadel FA are doing is great for everyone,” she said.
“In their academy, you see a Zimbabwean passing a football to a Chinese kid, to a Cameroonian child, that speaks volumes about the bridges this academy is building and maintaining.”
