The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe national Under-20 player Sebastien Summerfield believes the country can reap huge rewards if resources are channelled towards junior football development programmes.
Summerfield has been donating football equipment across Harare through the Sebastien Summerfield Foundation.
Last weekend, he donated football equipment in Mbare and Dzivaresekwa.
On Thursday, Summerfield handed over football kits and balls to two academies in Hatcliffe.
“I believe there is better football talent in the ghettos, but the problem is that most of the kids there do not have proper facilities and equipment,” says Summerfield.
“Through my foundation, I am going to help source football equipment for more junior teams across the country.
“I grew up comfortably, went to Harare International School, but there were boys from the high-density areas who were better than us when it came to football.
“And I believe football knows no boundaries; you can play up to the highest level irrespective of your background.”
Borrowdale-Hatcliffe Academy and New Dawn Academy are the latest beneficiaries of foundation’s philanthropic works.
“I want to be the voice of these young boys. I will be there for them whenever they need assistance,” he added.
Borrowdale-Hatcliffe Academy coach Charles Nyamukunda said Summerfield’s intervention will help develop football in the high-density suburb.
“We have some very good young players here, but most of the times we struggle to get proper equipment.
“You can see for yourself the kind of pitch we are using — it’s not proper,” said Nyamukunda.
“Hatcliffe has produced some players who went on to play in the Premier Soccer League, like Gerald Bhero, who is now at Manica Diamonds.
“I believe with this kind of support from Summerfield, our academy can produce players who can even go on to represent the country.”
