‘Gazza’ resurfaces at AYSA

FROM a footballer to a vendor and now back into football, life appears to have gone full circle for former midfielder Francis “Gazza” Jeyimani, who has found a new home at Aces Youth Soccer Academy (AYSA) as a trainee coach.

One of AYSA founders, Nigel Munyati, confirmed Jeyimani had been given a home at the academy.

“Gazza has been with us for about a month now. He is still a trainee working under the coaches that we already have at the institution.

“He hasn’t been assigned yet because he needs to complete his training first.

“He is someone who has football intelligence in him. I am sure that’s an important quality that he will be able to pass on to the young boys and girls at the academy. We have lots of talent that needs proper nurturing and I can tell you that our current Under-21 team is probably the best collection that we have had in years.

“We look to have more talented players coming from the academy soon,” said Munyati.

AYSA has produced top-notch players such as Warriors skipper Knowledge Musona, George Chigova, Eric Chipeta, Abbas Amidu, Donovan Bernard, Walter Musona, Silas Songani, Wisdom Mutasa and Khama Billiat.

Jeyimani, a former Zimbabwe youth international, has some coaching badges which he acquired after rounding off his career with former Premiership sides Black Aces and Motor Action.

“He managed to break into the Peterhouse first team this season and it is very difficult for a Form Four student to break into that team.

“The youngster can use both legs and is able to pack some good shots and is good at set pieces,” said Chirega.

Benza is nicknamed Zizou by his teammates at Herentals while at Peterhouse they call him Benzo.