Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in THAIWOO, China
ZIFA have expressed their excitement over how one of their Diaspora Committee members, Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, is championing concrete pathways for grassroots football, which is a priority area for the association itself. Musanhu, through his Jadel Football Academy, is on a charm offensive after seeing his project grow tremendously to become one of the most inclusive in the world with 23 nationalities being part of it.
Headquartered in Beijing, China, JFA have pockets in Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo as well as other nations like Germany and the United Kingdom. Currently, 16 youngsters from Zimbabwe are here for the ongoing Thaiwoo Cup, which wraps up tomorrow before they travel back to the Chinese capital for the international 100-Team Cup to run between August 8-16.
And ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi yesterday saluted the JFA project describing it as exemplary of what the association is hungering for.
“As ZIFA, we would like to sincerely commend and express our gratitude to Jadel Football Academy and its founder, former Young Warriors star Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, for the incredible work they are doing in developing young football talent and flying Zimbabwe’s flag high on the international stage.
“Walter’s (Musanhu) dedication and vision are truly inspiring, and as a valued member of the ZIFA Diaspora Committee, his work perfectly aligns with our broader goal of building strong pathways for grassroots football development,” said Magwizi.
Magwizi said grassroots football excellency aligns well with what ZIFA have set out to achieve and to see nurseries like JFA making strides in this regard gives them reason to celebrate.
“The opportunity he (Musanhu) and his academy are giving these youngsters — exposing them to internationally recognised tournaments — is priceless for their growth, confidence, and future prospects in the game.
“As ZIFA, we wish Walter, Jadel Football Academy, and all the young players the very best as they continue to make us proud in the two tournaments which they are taking part.”
Magwizi, who was ushered into office on January 25 this year challenged other stakeholders to consider taking the same route as JFA’s. While pledging to also support JFA and like-minded projects, Magwizi added: “We also wish to encourage more entrepreneurs and football stakeholders to emulate Walter’s example by investing in youth development.
“Football’s future lies in strong grassroots structures, and it is through initiatives like these that we will nurture the next generation of stars for Zimbabwe.” Musanhu said his dream was to make the world a better place for prospective footballers.
“I have realised, through experience, that so many talented kids end up pursuing something else rather than football because they fail to get the exposure that they need at the right time,” said Musanhu.
“This Jadel FA project that we are pushing should see us being able to develop and nurture the next generation of Warriors who should qualify for the 2034 World Cup.
“I am happy to receive encouraging words from the ZIFA president. We will keep on working hard to mould the next generation of stars.”
JFA will today play the semi-finals of the Thaiwoo Cup hoping to win the tournament having made their de-but last year.
Early next month they will try to defend the 100-Team Cup which they won last year.
They are pinning their hopes on talented youngsters who include Malcom Dinyero, Christiano Konono, Anotidaishe Mandaba, Alista Mapere, and Daniel Du.
