Zim Academy wins China tournament

Tadious Manyepo in THAIWOO, China

JADEL Football Academy is rapidly becoming a global giant in junior football after capturing one of the most internationally acclaimed youth cups, the Xueruyi Cup International Olympic City Youth Football Championship, this morning.

The Zimbabwean side never lost a game in the week-long contest and subsequently made light work of Kicker Academy of China, beating them 6-1 in the final played before an appreciative crowd at the International Olympic City.

Player of the tournament Malcom Dinyero scored a hat-trick while Tafadzwa Sadziwa grabbed a brace, with Alister Mapere getting the other goal.

JFA, which has 16 youngsters who travelled from Mbare, Mutare, Glenview, and Mabvuku, participated in this annual tournament and crashed out in the group stages.

But they were well-organized this time around, showing the more than 60 clubs that competed at the meet that they are made of steel.

JFA founder and head coach Walter “Ringers” Musanhu said, “I am thrilled with this win. That’s one down. My players showed a lot of discipline and willpower.

“They concentrated right from the start and this is what determination can do.

“Many thanks to my fellow coaches with me here, Stanford ‘Stix” Mutizwa, Tichaona Diya and Kini Rakajani.”

The Zimbabwean team is scheduled to transfer to Beijing, where they will start preparing for the upcoming 100-Team Cup to take place between August 8 and 16.