Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DEEP in the thickets of Mhakwe rural community under the timber producing Chimanimani District, where agricultural, and in some parts, alluvial gold mining, activities are the mainstay of livelihoods, an organised football academy has emerged.
Christened Western Villa Academy, deriving the name from being located in the western part of Chimanimani, the two-months-old football academy has already given hope for professional and disciplined football training, mainly to young boys aged from 12 to 20 years from the district.
Under the tutelage of committed coach, Godfrey Chimana, the youngsters are honing their football skills, thanks to the benevolence of transport entrepreneur, Moleck Machocho, who is channelling personal financial and material resources towards the daily costs of running the academy.
With the technical help of Buffaloes’ coaches, Collins ‘Sete’ Masembo and Patrick ‘Fancho’ Alfasi, Western Academy is bringing up to date training methods for junior footballers in the rural community of Mhakwe.
Machocho said: “I grew up in this area, and attended both primary and secondary education here. I feel this is one way I can give back to the community that raised me.
“During the time we were in primary and secondary school, we had so many talented players, but they lacked exposure. This is what I am trying to give to the lads here.
“We have taken some of them for trails to teams such as Manica Diamonds Juniors and Buffaloes. We are looking forward to partake in tournaments that are usually hosted in Mutare and beyond. I believe we have the talent here.
“Remember, we also live in an era in which drugs are destroying youths, therefore this project comes in handy in fighting drug and substance abuse. We are all aware that drug abuse is emanating from idleness, and we believe if we give these youngsters something to do and occupy their time through sport, a good number will evade drugs.”
To their credit, the academy is not limiting itself within the environs of the Mhakwe community, but the entirety of Chimanimani where young players with potential are free to join their camp at Mhakwe Secondary School.
On Sunday, Western Academy’s Under 20 outfit played a one-all stalemate against Nhedziwa Academy – an equally upcoming football academy set up in a rural environment.
Led by their talismanic captain, Fortunate Manzou, and clad in sleek new blue and yellow kits, the young players from remote areas proved themselves to be equally adept as their urban counterparts.
The only noticeable difference was the challenging terrain of the bumpy pitch.
However, their impressive dexterity, unwavering concentration, and remarkable skill left a lasting impression, bridging the divide between rural and urban talent.
Chimana said: “We are geared to promote rural talent. We know we have a lot of talent here, but it has been going untapped, hence this platform – Western Academy – will go a long way in providing the platform needed for youngsters here to showcase what they have. Through the periodic camping sessions, we have managed to attract youngsters from different parts of Chimanimani who are willing to be part of the project.”
Online Reporter