JADEL China U13 triumph over Scottland to clinch ...

JADEL China U13 triumph over Scottland to clinch gold at Invitational tourney

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

JADEL China clinched the gold medal in the JADEL U13 Invitational Football Tournament held at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare over the weekend, defeating Scottland Academy with a 2-0 victory.

Initiated by renowned soccer player Walter Musanhu, this annual tournament aims to develop young talent with an eye toward the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as participants will be between 18 and 20 years old by then.

Over the years, the event has expanded significantly, attracting teams from countries such as Australia, England, Namibia, and China.

This year's tournament, themed "Say No to Drugs, Tribalism, Racism, and Child Abuse," serves as a crucial grassroots football development initiative, fostering collaboration among various academies to transform the sport.

"We want talent from every part of the country to have a chance to play and be noticed. Our hope is to develop talent throughout Zimbabwe. Therefore, we are pleased to attract teams from across the nation," stated JADEL Football Academy Official Nyasha Kadenge in a speech.

Warriors assistant coach and Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach, Takesure Chiragwi, emphasized the importance of grassroots development for achieving football excellence:

"This program targets 2034, and you'll notice that some of these players will be around 18-20 years old by then. Events like this are instrumental in nurturing players who will represent the country and play in the PSL, as they will have developed in talent, technique, and skill."

A total of eight teams, including JADEL China and JADEL Zimbabwe, participated in the round-robin tournament, with the visitors ultimately emerging victorious.

Zimbabwe boasts a growing number of football academies dedicated to nurturing young talent. Notable academies include Aces Youth Soccer Academy, which has produced prominent players such as Khama Billiat, who has had a successful career with clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

Another example is the Legends Football Academy, focused on developing mentally strong, physically fit, and technically gifted young Zimbabwean footballers.

These academies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Zimbabwean football by providing structured training programs and exposure to competitive play, both locally and internationally.