NINE Zimbabwean teenagers have been enrolled at a soccer academy in South Africa after they were scouted in the country recently.
The teenagers have been joined by other players from Namibia and South Africa at the Global Football Development Academy (GFDA) situated in Johannesburg.
GFDA spokesperson Tshegofatso Leshoro told NewsDay Sport that the players will be going on a three-week trial with African Future Starz with prospects of being seconded to foreign leagues.
“We were able to bring nine football players from Zimbabwe, one from Namibia and one player who is based in South Africa to the Special International Scouting Trails Programme which was hosted in ETS Academy, Ruimsig in Johannesburg, South Africa,” Leshoro said.
“It was, indeed, a special programme where the boys had the honour of being scouted by coaches namely Eldelbert Dinha and Fabian McCarthy.
“The boys underwent some training and will be going on a three-week trial with African Future Starz.”
Leshoro said the players were spotted during a scouting exercise on September 14 in Zimbabwe.
“It was successful because our players stand a chance of being picked for further international programmes, where they will be assessed and trained and hopefully be placed internationally,” Leshoro said.
“African Future Starz are the organisers of the Scouting Programme and we would like to extend our gratitude to the chief executive, Mandla Dlamini, for inviting us to this successful programme.
“It was successful because our players stand a chance of being picked for further international programmes where they will be assessed and trained and hopefully be placed internationally.”
The players are Prosperity Gwaze, Leon Mutasa, Elton Sanyama, Ashley Muchenga, Enasio Perezo, Baylon Tsuro, Learnmore Muzarurwi, Hilary Jnr Sibanda and Bethel Tadisa Chenjerai.
The ages of the players range from 15 to 20.
“We saw that there is a lot of talent that still needs to be developed in South Africa and internationally through football,” Leshoro said.
“We also want to cater for underprivileged children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We want to keep as many girl and boy children from living on the streets and being addicted to drugs.”