Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China
THE devastating Typhoon Dolphin has forced the freezing of the ongoing 100 Cup tournament.
Jadel Football Academy are part of the tournament. The Chinese National Meteorological Centre issued the orange alert, the second-highest warning level in this country, due to the intensity of the rains.
Jadel FA are in the Chinese capital for the annual 100 Cup fiesta, which they are a part of, for the fourth year running. However, action has been halted until at least Friday when the typhoon, one of the most severe to be recorded in recent times, is expected to have eased in ferocity.
Jadel FA founder Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, who is also the head coach for the nursery, said:
“Due to the orange rainstorm warning issued in Beijing, all Hundred Cup matches have been postponed to ensure children’s safety.
“The games have all been rescheduled and as such, we have put all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our young athletes.
“Be rest assured that all the youngsters from Zimbabwe and those from China are safe and sound.”
Jadel FA Under-13 team were supposed to kick-start their campaign with two group matches yesterday while the high-flying Under-12 side was pencilled to wrap off their group business with a single game today. But the matches have been moved to Friday and Saturday. Jadel FA Under-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 U13 games will now be played on Friday at the National Olympic Sports Centre while the U12 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 huge in support of the Jadel FA initiative. Former Warriors striker Gilbert Mushangazhike, who also spent years playing in the Chinese Super League, said the exposure that Jadel FA is giving the kids is very important.
“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 like 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.”
