By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – In a bid to groom and nature football talent from grassroot level, Masvingo Footballers Trust Junior Academy (MAFT) received a consignment of balls and kits from former Masvingo United Player, Maxwell Chambara.
The donation of 12 soccer balls, a set of bibs and a set of shorts were received by ex- Dynamos Captain, George Magariro.
MAFT was established to groom the young soccer players and help them identify and groom their talent.
In an interview with Bustop TV the MAFT Board Chair, Clayton Shereni said there is need for development in Masvingo’s football sector.
“Our vision is that we have progress as far as football is concerned in Masvingo, it is painful that we last witnessed Premier League in 2011 after the relegation of Masvingo United. People end up having to travel to Triangle or Zvishavane to watch the PSL. We identified the reasons that could be the force behind us not having a team in the Premiere and that is why we decided to nurture talent earlier so that they will qualify for competitive football. All we need is a sequence that will always be followed for the future,” he said.
George Magariro added, “I was approached after they saw me fit to nurture football talent and l have to produce two or more players or the whole team that will play for the PSL. It is also my wish to have the former PSL giants return to the PSL like before when it was still being funded by the late Mhunga. At the same time the young players must know that education is the key, they should know that they should do football and books at the same time as this will help them in the future. Education will also nurture them in terms of discipline as if one does not have discipline, they will not make it in the industry.”
Joe Kwangware who was representing Maxwell Chambara and also a former teammate said the kids have to embrace education and stay away from drugs as discipline is key if one is to make it in the football industry.
The donation was coordinated by MAFT board members, Jacob Mbudzi who is based in South Sudan, and his brother Chanda Mafuka in USA.
Shereni added that they are now working on bringing on board more local and foreign based legends of the beautiful game to partner in talent identification and nurturing.
In June MAFT also handed over another donation of 10 soccer balls and 3 sets of bibs. The June donation was a proceed from the Maft board of trustees.
