Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
FOOTBALL academies have come together to form a semi-professional under-21 league, with eight clubs competing at a centralised venue in a move aimed at strengthening player development.
The initiative marks a significant step in football development, with the eight academies joining hands to provide competitive game time for young players.
Matches are being played at a central venue on Wednesday and Saturday during the April and August school holidays, and most players are school-going age.
Co-chairperson of the league, Farai Dhliwayo, said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap for players who are not getting opportunities in top-flight football.
“We are excited to get this rolling. We have noticed that most players who are not in Division One and the Premier League are not getting game time, so this is a bridge and also the cooking pot for players.”
With developmental players not getting an opportunity in the Premier Soccer League, the league hopes that the infusion of technology will assist them.
“This is a player-centred programme. We are recording all matches and capturing statistics as well, so this makes it easy for local and international scouts to get data for players. These days, players are trialled based on data, so this helps the players develop,” Dhliwayo noted.
Organisers say the eight clubs are just a starting point, with plans to expand the semi-professional leagues across the country to ensure no talent is left behind.
The league is also expected to complement the country’s junior football development efforts.
