Tapiwa Manhungo to Launch City SC Harare: A New ...

Tapiwa Manhungo to Launch City SC Harare: A New Era for Youth Football in Zimbabwe

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Tapiwa Manhungo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur based in the United States, is poised to launch City SC Harare, a revolutionary football academy set to transform youth football in Zimbabwe. Inspired by his own experiences and the untapped potential he observed among young players in his home country, Manhungo is dedicated to providing a platform for youth to develop their football skills and unlock new opportunities.

In an exclusive interview with Zim Now, Manhungo shared his passion behind the academy's creation:

"My inspiration for establishing City SC Harare comes from a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on youth football in Zimbabwe. Growing up, I witnessed so much untapped talent among young players, but many lacked access to quality coaching, resources, and opportunities to showcase their abilities. I

"I envision City SC Harare as a place where youth can hone their skills, receive guidance both on and off the field, and have a clear pathway to pursue their football aspirations—whether that’s playing professionally, earning scholarships, or simply growing as individuals.”

The academy will focus on delivering structured training programs that emphasize technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. Players will also have the opportunity to compete in local tournaments and friendly matches to gain essential game experience. Off the field, the academy will prioritize education and personal development, equipping athletes with the skills they need to succeed in life beyond football.

Manhungo is also planning exchange programs with international clubs to give Zimbabwean players and coaches exposure to global football environments.

“We’ll offer regular competitive opportunities, such as local tournaments and friendly matches, to ensure players gain valuable experience and visibility. Our ultimate goal is to equip these young athletes with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life, not just on the pitch,” he explained.

City SC Harare will be built on a foundation of community engagement, with a focus on fostering strong relationships with local schools, businesses, and community leaders.

Manhungo emphasized, “Engaging the local community and stakeholders is critical for the long-term success of the academy. We plan to cultivate strong partnerships with parents, schools, local businesses, and community leaders to create a sense of shared purpose around youth development.”

Dan Jones, City SC’s Head of Player Development, underscored the academy’s commitment to providing a world-class learning environment. “City SC’s training methodology emphasizes technical skill development, tactical understanding, and mental resilience—elements that will be invaluable for young players in Zimbabwe. We’ll adapt these approaches by blending them with local playing styles and addressing the specific needs of Zimbabwean football, ensuring that the training is both effective and culturally relevant.”

Through its partnership with the City SC network in Southern California, City SC Harare will offer Zimbabwean players and coaches unique access to high-level coaching and international standards. This collaboration will create pathways for growth and development, helping local talent realize their full potential. “Through our partnership with the City SC network, we’ll provide Zimbabwean players and coaches with exposure to top-tier coaching, international standards, and exchange programs. This partnership will open doors for growth and development, helping our players and coaches reach their highest potential,” said Jones.

City SC Harare has already garnered support from notable figures such as Zimbabwean international footballer Teenage Hadebe, whose endorsement has generated excitement within the local community. Hadebe’s backing highlights the academy’s potential to shape the future of Zimbabwean football. In addition to player development, the academy is committed to addressing pressing social issues, including the lack of opportunities for youth and substance abuse, by offering a positive, constructive environment with strong role models.