THE Moses Bambo Chunga Academy (MBCA) recently hosted a successful holiday coaching clinic for local youth soccer players.
The clinic, which took place over the course of a week during the school break, was designed to provide young players with the opportunity to improve their skills and learn from experienced coaches.
MBCA, which is based in Harare has a reputation for developing talented soccer players and helping them to reach their full potential. The holiday coaching clinic was led by the academy's experienced coaching staff, who provided individualized instruction and feedback to each participant.
"We are thrilled with how the holiday coaching clinic went," Moses "Bambo" Chunga, the founder and director of MBCA told The Sports Hub.
"We had a great turnout, and the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves a lot. Our coaches did a fantastic job of creating a positive and supportive learning environment, and I think that made a big difference."
The clinic covered mainly three topics, speed of thought, speed of execution and reaction speed with the ball. In addition to on-field instruction, participants also took part in sessions on topics such as nutrition, sports psychology, and injury prevention.
"I think the combination of on-field instructions and oral learning was really valuable for the kids," he added.
"It gave them a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be a successful football player, both on and off the field.
- Panashe Mutasa comes of age at Tenax FC
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Ndiraya backs Antonio to impress in Belgium
- Artists struggling to grasp intellectual property rights
Keep Reading
"We concentrated on the speed elements of the modern game that I discovered that most young players are lacking. When I was doing my scouting mission around the country, I discovered that most of our young players are lacking in the speed of thought and execution, making it hard for them to break into major European leagues, academies or clubs."
The holiday coaching clinic was open to players of all skill levels, and Chunga said that it was important to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
"We had players of all ages and abilities at the clinic, and we made sure to tailor our instruction to meet the needs of each individual," he said.
"Our goal was to help every player improve, no matter where they were starting from. I think we achieved that, and I'm really proud of what we were able to accomplish."
The Dynamos and Zimbabwe Warriors legend has in the past bemoaned lack of game time beyond the second term for school going children.
"The holiday camp like this one allows us to provide continuous training and development for our players even when regular classes are not in session," explained Chunga.
"It's important to keep these young footballers engaged and learning during their free time, so they can maintain their progress and enthusiasm for the sport."
Chunga who is credited with the famous Dynamos"Kidznet" project which had the likes of the late Norman Maroto, Nyasha Chazika, Samson Choruwa, among others, said that he was already looking forward to running a parallel programme during the school term for those children that believe that their career is in football. Chunga encouraged young soccer players who are interested in improving their skills to consider attending.
"We had a great time at this clinic, and I know that the next one will be even better," he said.
"I would encourage any young player who is serious about soccer to come and join us. We would love to have you."
Chunga loves giving back to the game that gave him a name beyond Zimbabwe and had to bear a lot of costs for the coaching clinic to be a success.
"Running these clinics without corporate backing is hard, but I had to fork out money from my own pocket because when I was growing up someone gave me a chance and it is my turn to reciprocate that good gesture," Chunga said.
"I couldn't have done it without some parents of our academy players, Mpo Jonga and Themba Kumbula, who went beyond the call of duty."
To test the progress the players have made in the weeklong coaching clinic, MBCA under-13 boys played a full match against Tynwald South Academy and they lost 4-1.
"The final result did not matter, what we wanted for the boys was to play a competitive match against opponents that they were not familiar with and we managed to do that," said the 58-year-old former Dynamos, CAPS United and Gunners FC coach.
"The holiday clinic has been a game-changer for me," said 12-year-old participant Tinashe Machona.
"Not only have I improved my skills tremendously, but I've also learned so much about what it takes to become a successful footballer. Coach Chunga has really pushed me to be my best, and I feel more motivated than ever to keep working hard and pursuing my dreams."
Tapiwa Ncube from Tynwald Academy, who only got to enjoy a pep talk with the legend, Chunga after their match against MBCA, said his grandfather always talks about the days of "Razorman" and he could not wait to tell him that he finally met him in person.
"Sometimes watching local football with my grandfather is boring, he always says "dai ari Moses Chunga dai tawona zvidavado negoal rinonakidza (if only it was Moses Chunga, we would have seen dribbling artistry and a great goal). So I can't wait to get home and tell him that he coached me today" he said.
MBCA will be hosting a 16-team tournament next month in commemoration of the 59th birthday of its founder, Chunga.
