Scores expected to throng PE Spills, thrills expected at Donnybrook Park talent-scouting programme
SCORES of footballers, driven by the ambition to probably trace the footsteps of Marvelous Nakamba, are expected to converge at Prince Edward School this morning.
It’s the first of two days of an ambitious scouting mission by an international cast of scouts.
Dubbed “The World’s Biggest Scouting Event”, the mission, whose general coordinator is Nigeria’s Moo Muhammed Mustapha, will hold the scouting programme this weekend in Harare before the show moves to Bulawayo.
The international scouts, who would normally have little consideration about coming to Zimbabwe, have descended on this country in search of fresh talent after being impressed by the way Nakamba has settled at Aston Villa in the English Premiership.
Dynamic African Stars Agency, whose headquarters are in Nigeria, are driving the project, and are on a mission to “discover grassroots talents and connect them to their dreams.’’
They say they were committed at recruiting talent, which in countries like Zimbabwe, could go unnoticed by some European clubs and then use their connections to tie such players to their dream move.
They are looking at players between 13 and 25 years, and according to the enquiries which they have been receiving in the past few days, the organisers believe there could be a huge turnout today.
“Our goal is to discover talent, develop and local club, DC Academy, into the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League.
Choto is working in conjunction with former CAPS United defender Charles Manjera, who has also been running his football academy in Chitungwiza.
“We have earmarked six countries for this event this year. Zimbabwe is our second destination after we did one such event in Nigeria,’’ said Mustapha.
“We saw it fit to come to Zimbabwe, which we felt was being underrated when one looks at the talent that is in this country. After the displays by Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, we thought if Nakamba can do that, then how many other players, who are like him, can also be found in Zimbabwe?
“It means there are a lot other players who might be lacking the necessary exposure. This is why we decided to settle for Zimbabwe as one of the beneficiaries of this very first event of its kind. Several teams in Spain, Russia, Portugal, Greece and many others countries have expressed interest in taking on board Zimbabwean players. So, the tournament at the weekend is a huge opportunity for both professional and amateur players to come and showcase their talent.
“As organisers of this event, we would like to thank Zimbabwe Football Association, the Sports and Recreation Commission, as well as the Premier Soccer League for giving us the leeway to conduct this event here.”
THE country’s top motor racing drivers and bikers converge at the home of local motorsport — Donnybrook Park in Harare tomorrow for the main circuit racing season-ending Turbo Solutions Africa Race Day.
This year has seen the organisers of main circuit racing successfully hosting their National Championship race meetings either at Donnybrook or in Bulawayo despite the current economic challenges in the country.
The events have been well supported by the local motorsport enthusiasts.
Temba Mazvimbakupa of Motorsport Zimbabwe said tomorrow promises to be another fun-filled day at Donnybrook as most of the country’s top drivers and bikers have already confirmed their participation at the event.
Mazvimbakupa has also urged the country’s motorsport enthusiasts to come to Donnybrook in their thousands tomorrow.
“This is the final main circuit race meeting at Donnybrook for the 2019 season, and we are expecting a huge competitor and spectator turn out to end a very successful season.
“Motorsport is growing in stature in Zimbabwe, thanks to all the sponsors, officials and spectators who have made this possible.
“We also have dedicated organisers and competitors who have been giving their all in terms of seeing that motor racing does not die a natural death in Zimbabwe and that is why we have been able to successfully host these race meetings in Harare and Bulawayo despite the harsh economic climate,” Mazvimbakupa said.