Bruce Chikuni in JOHANNESBURG
LEGENDS Academy are reaping the rewards of their continuous effort to establish future stars from grassroots following their invitation to participate in the U17’s Vision View TV Easter Cup of Champions in South Africa.
The tournament is running from today until April 1 at Pinnacle College, Kyalami.
The best of the best competition includes Transition Football, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs, Randburg FC, Amatuks, Highlands Park FC, Orlando Pirates, Dream, Academy, Athletic Club and Transnet School of Africa.
Legends Academy were drawn in the same group with SuperSport United, RESA, Rocking Stars and Transition FC.
The youngest Zimbabwean player in South Africa’s DSTV Premiership, Douglas Mapfumo, 22, of Polokwane City, hails from this project.
Mapfumo made it to Mzansi’s top-flight without even kicking a ball in the Castle Lager Premiership two season ago.
Teenage sensation, Denzel Mapuwa of Green Fuel, who recently finished as the top goalscorer (three goals) in a mini tournament in Malawi for the country’s Under-20 side, is also the academy’s graduate.
Legends Academy director, Farai Dhliwayo, told Zimpapers Sport he was humbled by this invitation.
“It’s a great honour and a privilege to be recognised by international power houses in football circles.
“It shows they have an appreciation of our efforts and I have been telling the boys the significance of showing their potential at this competition.
“As Legends Academy, we are not here to win the competition but to check where we are lagging behind in developing these players and they will also get the chance to take a leaf from their opponents,” said Dhliwayo.
He added:
“Mapuwa played well last week in Malawi not because he understood the assignment but he benefitted from a similar tour we had in Portugal.
“That’s where he grasped the concept and experience of playing outside Zimbabwe and this is what has been lacking doe these youngsters.”
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