The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
TWO of Zimbabwe’s brightest football prospects are set for a historic two-week trial stint in Turkey, courtesy of Warriors star player Marvelous Nakamba, whose foundation held a national Under-17 tournament in Bulawayo last month.
MAJESA Academy skipper Prosper “Kante” Padera and Highlanders’ Prince Ndlovu will be the first beneficiaries and are set to leave for Turkey in December.
Padera, a gifted defensive linkman who won many admirers in Bulawayo, played a central role as MAJESA romped to victory at the inaugural Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF) Under-17 finals held at White City Stadium.
So good is 16-year-old Padera that he is now featuring for Eastern Region Division One side Buffaloes.
Ndlovu is another promising player emerging from Bulawayo, and the 16-year-old will also get a chance to break into Europe.
The Mzilikazi High School learner has since been promoted into the senior team at Highlanders.
He already has some minutes in the Premier Soccer League.
MNF chairperson Antony Nakamba confirmed the trial stint.
“We are organising for some of them to go to Turkey for trials, one from MAJESA and one from Highlanders. It’s a two-week trial in December.
“I told these young boys about the importance of dedication and fighting spirit in football,” said Nakamba, a former Hwange keeper.
“Seeing their facilities, I could tell it’s only a matter of time before we see one of their players going overseas.
“I encouraged them as a father to shun things like drugs and concentrate on football and books. The sky is the limit.”
Meanwhile, MAJESA Academy could also go for a challenge match in South Africa, although details are still sketchy.
ZIFA technical director Wilson Mutekede emphasised the association’s renewed drive for junior football development.
“MAJESA Academy is a refreshing project especially with regards to development,” said Mutekede.
“This is going to spread across the country. There are structures that are going to be put in place. It’s very encouraging and MAJESA is joining the elite class of academies in the country.”
MAJESA director Charles Chave was humbled by MNF’s gesture.
“It’s an honour to have the MNF visiting us here in Mutare. It gives the boys here some inspiration. MNF said they would provide links for our players and it is happening.
“Our own Prosper Padera is going for trials in Turkey, and we hear all the paperwork has been done,” said Chave.
