The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
A Norton-based football academy, Continental Bright Stars Academy, has been invited by TuksSport, which is based at the University of Pretoria, to participate in a tournament in South Africa from April 11 to 14.
TuksSport forms part of the institution’s High-Performance Centre (HPC).
Continental Bright Stars Academy, who are coached by Cephas Bhobho, will have an opportunity to gauge their progress against some of the best upcoming footballers in Pretoria.
“Our academy is grateful for this golden opportunity; it is a chance for us to associate with big clubs, which is good for the development of our players,” Bhobho told The Sunday Mail Online.
The academy has widened its catchment area beyond the dormitory town.
It now boasts of footballers from several Harare suburbs.
In 11-year-old Tawananyasha “Pogba” Museba, the academy has a bright prospect.
Silva Dube, Doda Chagonda and Victor Mufunde were also impressive when the academy played a match in the capital on Sunday.
“Exposure is important for these young boys. Talent enhancement is also key, and we believe this tour to South Africa will open the boys’ eyes,” said Bhobho.
The academy currently has over 45 players.
The kids are inspired by the fact that one of the country’s best-ever players – Knowledge Musona – hails from Norton.
Several Premier Soccer League players including reigning Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, Valentine “V11” Kadonzvo, Emmanuel Jalai, and Raphael Muduviwa also have their roots in Norton, which is located about 40km west of Harare.
“We have several talented youngsters whom we think can follow in the footsteps of the likes of the Musona brothers.
“What’s critical is how they will develop, and we want to make sure their career path is well defined,” added Bhobho.
“This tour of South Africa is part of that grand plan.”
