The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
LEGENDARY coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa believes the newly-launched Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe can help widen the net and improve the country’s ability to tap and nurture grassroots talent.
The former Warriors coach, who became the first gaffer to guide Zimbabwe to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia in 2004, was among football personalities who graced the launch in Harare on Friday night.
Other football legends and former players present at the glitzy ceremony were 1980 Soccer Star of the Year David “Yogi” Mandigora and former Dynamos striker and coach David George.
The former DeMbare striking pair of Edward Sadomba and Simon Chuma was part of the proceedings.
But what charmed Chidzambwa most is the thrust to revisit grassroots football development.
“Grassroots football is the way to go. Everywhere you go in the world, junior football development is fundamental. As a football legend or former coach, I would see this as a positive development.
“It is a privilege to have a team like Real Betis setting up an academy in the country. It opens up avenues for the young players out there. So, I would like to thank those behind this project, which I think will go a long way in improving local talent,” said Chidzambwa.
Former national team rugby player Gerald Sibanda is the force behind the Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe project through his sports agency — Athletes Sphere Management. Sibanda starred for Zimbabwe in both the Sevens and the XVs versions of the game in a career that also took him to Europe and South Africa.
Betis Academy will have ex-DeMbare skipper Murape Murape as the head coach.
He will be assisted by the former Highlanders duo of Johannes Ngodzo and Gift Lunga.
Former Harare City goalkeepers’ coach Tichaona Diya and ex-DeMbare midfielder Philemon Mutyakureva form part of the academy’s technical team.
“We are not going to concentrate on Harare only, but we will open up branches across the country starting with Bulawayo,” Sibanda said.
Over 1 000 players have already applied to be part of the academy and four were unveiled at the ceremony. Sadomba — a product of the now-defunct Agatha Sheneti Academy — hailed the new project.
“We can only wish this project well because it is a noble idea. There are a lot of talented young players out there who need a chance and a platform to showcase their talent.
“My wish is to see the academy’s products going on to play for big teams across the world, including La Liga side Real Betis,” Sadomba said.
La Liga managing director for Africa, Marcos Pelegrin, believes the new academy will transform the local football landscape.
“This is only the beginning,” he said.
The function was graced by high-ranking Government officials, including the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office Davis Marapira, who represented the guest of honour Vice President Kembo Mohadi; and Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry.
Spanish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Santiago Gomez, hailed the historic partnership.
