Spanish club Real Oviedo plants roots in Zimbabwe,...

Spanish club Real Oviedo plants roots in Zimbabwe, launching youth football academy

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A significant partnership has been forged between Spanish second-tier league side Real Oviedo and Zimbabwe's Heritage Football Academy, marking a new chapter for young footballing talent in the country. The collaboration will establish the Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy, a venture designed to provide a holistic football and education program for aspiring Zimbabwean players. Based at The Heritage School in Harare, the academy is a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing talent and offering pathways to elite-level football.

Spearheading this project are former Zimbabwean national team player Charlie Jones and former Dynamos star Murape Murape, who will serve as the head of technical and coaching. Jones emphasized the unique nature of the partnership, stating, "This brand here is not like the normal brand that you see here because we're not paying a cent for it. This is a partnership where we say we can give you stuff on the table, you give us stuff on the table." He highlighted the academy's commitment to developing youngsters across various age groups, combining rigorous football training with academic excellence.

The academy's program will see selected players, aged between 20 and 30, placed within Heritage School, with boarding facilities provided to ensure a 365-day development environment. Jones stressed the importance of academics, stating, "If he's not doing well in his academics, he can't come for training. It doesn't matter how good the youngsters play, but the two must match." The Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy will adopt the Spanish club's renowned methodology, focusing on technical development, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning.

The academy will offer a comprehensive program including a football boarders option, academic support, life skills development, and opportunities for international tours, including potential visits to Real Oviedo in Spain. Coaching clinics, workshops, and talent identification initiatives will also be key components. Murape Murape expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "This partnership will not only elevate the standard of Zimbabwean football but also provide our students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for success in all aspects of life." He further emphasized the academy's focus on producing well-rounded individuals, highlighting the importance of discipline, hard work, and teamwork.

James Harriman, representing Real Oviedo’s International Department, confirmed the partnership, stating, "And with this partnership we hope to be able to give new opportunities to the kids to train and develop not only in Zimbabwe but also here in Spain with us with a working methodology which has a proven track record of helping young people and kids to develop their skills and to progress as footballers." The academy plans to forge partnerships with other schools for player recruitment and anticipates a tour to Real Oviedo in Spain later this year, promising to create significant opportunities for Zimbabwean youth.