Lovemore Dube [email protected]
TEN junior footballers from Bulawayo will leave for Germany on Tuesday for a week-long football experience that will see them participate in the Bayern Munich Cup.
The youngsters were selected last month following trials at White City Stadium, which were attended by scouts from German football giants Bayern Munich.
Highlanders assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube and former Highlanders midfielder Johannes Ngodzo will accompany the players as coaches, while Vusa Sibanda will be the team manager.
The tour offers the youngsters an opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage, interact with players from other countries and gain valuable football experience.
Since 2012, Bayern Munich has conducted the tournament for Under-16 players, with more than 100 000 youngsters reportedly having participated. The event attracts aspiring footballers from more than 15 countries annually.
According to information provided by the organisers, 20 participants have either been signed by football clubs or gone on to represent their respective national teams after taking part in the event.
According to the tournament flyer, teams are expected to arrive on Wednesday, with a welcome dinner scheduled for all players before activities begin on Thursday.
Dube said the technical team’s hope was that the youngsters would make the most of the opportunity and impress during the tournament.
Bulawayo City chairman Jerry Sibanda also expressed satisfaction at having contributed two players to the travelling contingent.
The 10 players represent various junior football clubs in Bulawayo, reflecting the depth of talent emerging from the city’s grassroots football structures.
The travelling squad comprises Nkosiphile Moyo (Flame Stars), Sibusiso Nyoni (Zebra Revolution), Thabiso Dube (Zebra Revolution), Muvumbi Nenyasha (Bulawayo City), Mzingaye Sibanda (Bulawayo City), Era Mangore (Young Flying Stars), Tafara Marara (Elite), Blessed Sibanda (Bulawayo Chiefs), Brendon Tshabangu (Talen Vision) and Tinotenda Chokuda (Talen Vision).
Tour officials
Coaches: Mkhokheli Dube and Johannes Ngodzo.
Team manager: Vusa Sibanda.
