Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Sports Reporter
MUTARE’S Chisamba Ground in Sakubva will play host to the inaugural Under-9 football festival tomorrow (Saturday), marking a new era in nurturing young football talent in the city.
The event follows a successful Under-9 league run by veteran juniors coach, Timothy ‘Sicho’ Masachi, sparking renewed interest in developing young talent in Mutare’s football circles.
The Under-9 football festival in Mutare offers a platform for young players to showcase their skills, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie.
It identifies and nurtures talent early, providing opportunities for coaching, mentorship, and development.
The event also promotes physical activity, discipline, and teamwork among children, while also engaging the community and local football stakeholders.
By investing in grassroots football, the country can cultivate a strong foundation for future national teams and professional leagues, potentially producing world-class players.
Former Pacific Storm Eastern Region league striker, Takunda ‘Sebo’ Mapara, founder of the Under-9 festival, said the idea was initially meant for a school-based competition.
“The idea was to create an Under-9 schools tournament, but the offices we approached didn’t help much, so we turned it to club level, and we are happy that finally the idea came to fruition,” said the retired prolific goal-scorer.
Promoting sports at primary school level is crucial for holistic child development, fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. It identifies and nurtures talent early, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues. Sports also enhance cognitive skills, social interaction, and emotional intelligence, laying a strong foundation for future success.
Twelve teams are participating in the competition, including City Veloes, La Sakubva, Young United Zimunya, Penhalonga, Sakubva United, Safa, MAJESA, Reactors, Chikanga United, Eastern Jewels Academy, and two others expected to complete registration before the tournament starts.
Mapara said his passion for developing junior talent, as well as his son’s interest, motivated him to come up with the idea.
“My six-year-old son, Eden Mapara’s passion for football is the main reason why I decided to have this initiative. He turns out for La Sakubva. This was also coupled with my own passion to help develop young talent. These are platforms that we sometimes lacked as we grew up, and it is our responsibility to make them available to these kids so that they can find and develop their talents,” he said.
The interest in developing junior talent showcases a shift from the disheartening neglect of junior football that characterised the game in recent years. Over the years, the neglect of junior football development manifested itself in dull performances in the domestic top-flight league, where players visibly struggled with the basics of the game, such as ball control and passing.
But as stakeholders in the game appear to be getting back to basics, evidenced by the Masachi-founded league and now this annual competition – all for the Under-9 age group – the fruits of such efforts are highly likely to benefit the standards of the game at a later stage.
Partnerships and support for initiatives like the Under-9 football festival are crucial to nurture young talent.
Collaborative efforts from local authorities, schools, and sponsors can provide resources, coaching, and opportunities, ensuring the sustainability of such programmes and benefiting the community and football as a whole.
