Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE positive football vibe in Norton suburb is inspiring local development coaches who are now confident the dormitory town can produce more stars.
Home to surprise Premier Soccer League log leaders MWOS, Norton is also famous for breeding talented footballers who include former national team captain Knowledge Musona and his brother Walter.
Several women footballers, including Mighty Warriors veteran striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore, also hail from the suburb.
Makore’s talent was nurtured at Continental Bright Stars Academy, who boast two players in the national Under-17 team that will play at the COSAFA Girls Championships in Windhoek, Namibia next week.
Defender Tadiwanashe Tunduwe and striker Merian Genti are part of the 20-member side expected to travel to Windhoek on Saturday.
The squad also comprises of two United Kingdom-based starlets.
Zimbabwe are in Group C alongside Botswana and Lesotho.
They open their campaign with a date against Botswana at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on May 12, before playing Lesotho two days later.
Lindiwe Ndlovu will take charge of the national women’s Under-17 team, who are seeking a maiden COSAFA Championship, having failed twice in 2020 and 2024.
Zimbabwe missed the 2021 and 2022 editions.
The inclusion of Tunduwe and Genti has left Continental Bright Stars Academy coach Cephas Bobo buzzing.
“Two talented young girls from Norton will be donning the national Under-17 jersey and this is a remarkable achievement,” says Bobo.
“There’s a lot of football excitement in Norton, brought about by MWOS who are now hosting their PSL matches in the town.
“This vibe has cascaded down to the developmental system.”
Continental Bright Stars Soccer Academy, which is registered under Football Academy Trust is slowly establishing itself as a conveyor belt of football talent, particularly girls.
Tunduwe and Genti, who are currently on loan at MWOS Queens, are the latest players to come out of the academy.
“Their selection for the national Under-17 team is a validation of the academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“Our ultimate aim is to export players to Europe.
“The success of Continental Bright Stars Soccer Academy isn’t limited to the girls’ team.
“The boys’ program is also thriving, with several players poised to make a mark on the continental stage.
“In a few months, some of these talented young players will be heading to Poland, further solidifying the academy’s reputation as a launch pad for aspiring footballers.”
Bobo works closely with veteran coach Wieslaw Grabowski, who occasionally imparts technical knowledge to the boys and girls at Alex Sports Club where the academy trains.
The academy will host will host BN Academy at Alex Sports Club on Friday, in a match that promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent.
“This fixture is a testament to the academy’s growing influence and its commitment to developing football in Norton and Harare.
“Overall, I’m so impressed with the development in my academy, seeing my players getting called for national duty, is a step in the right direction” Bobo said.
Talented Legends Football Academy forward Winnie Mapuwa, one of the stars of the Zimbabwe Team during the CAF Schools tournament at Gateway High School two years ago is expected to lead the line of attack for the Young Mighty Warriors.
Winnie hails from a footballing family that has GreenFuel striker Washington and defender Dibbellar Mapuwa.
Zimbabwe Girls’ U17 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena (Brighton & Hove Albion), Yolanda Chitsa (Maningi YSA)
Defenders: Tatenda Gambiza (Mposa), Gladys Giwa (Rufaro High), Anotidaishe Zvinoira (Faith Drive Academy), Hazel Kanyuru (Rufaro High), Tadiwanashe Tunduwe (Football Academy Trust), Rosemary Mkandla (Las Palmas)
Midfielders: Perpetua Chisuro (Faith Drive Academy), Miriam Gwenzi (Faith Drive Academy), Ivy Nyamucherera (Lobengula Queens), Alicia Chinyoka (FC Platinum Royals), Natasha Chibvongodze (Rufaro High), Shantello Mugute (Scottland Queens), Mya Munyanduki (West Ridding Girls FC UK), Chiedza Khumalo (Mposa)
Forwards: Merian Genti (Football Academy Trust), Winnie Mapuwa (Legends Football Academy).
