Zim academy to tour China

Tadious Manyepo

Sports Reporter

TEN youngsters from Jadel Football Academy will get a chance to showcase themselves and learn from an international platform when they play in the Baidua 100 team 7-Aside tournament in China next month.

The Baidua 100 team fiesta is one the biggest sporting festivals in the world and also provide a perfect stage for cultural exchange between young persons from different countries.

Local Jadel Academy players first participated at this annual jamboree last year and managed to make it to the final.

And they will be looking to go a notch up this year and bring gold back home.

“We write to you with a deep sense of excitement and anticipation to invite the talented players and esteemed coaches from the Zimbabwe Jadel Football Academy to join us for a special event in Beijing,” read part of the invite letter from the organisers.

Tafara Machiwenyika, Oneas Nyateka, Nicole Tashinga Wilbesi, Malcom Tadiwanashe Dinyero, Liam Moyo, Christiano Konono, Ashley Tanatswa Zimbawu, Sean Pesani, Nyashadzashe Mordecai Tungwarara and Alisha Muhammed Farali Murisho have since been seconded for the tour.

China-based Jadel Academy founder and director Walter Musanhu said the tour will further cement the already mutual relationship between the nursery and other profiled academies across the globe.

“Our vision at Jadel Sports and Fitness Services (Beijing) Co Ltd, established in 2019, has always been to bridge the gap between international youth through the universal language of football,” said Musanhu. 

“Today, we stand at the cusp of a unique opportunity that promises not only to uplift young athletes but also to strengthen the bond between China and Zimbabwe. Our journey has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence

“The Jadel team in Zimbabwe has demonstrated these qualities spectacularly, achieving the runner-up position in the national youth football league in 2023. 

“This success is not just a testament to their talent but also a beacon of hope for what can be achieved when opportunities are embraced wholeheartedly.

 “This invitation is not merely a chance to participate in our summer football training and the “41st Beijing (BAIDUA CUP) 100 Team Cup Football Match 2024″ but a profound opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, learning, and growth.”

Musanhu who recently won an international award for his work with Jadel Academy China said there will be a fundraising farewell dinner for the players in Harare on August 2 to complement what the academy has already paid for.