Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
GUINEA Fowl High School’s Under-15 football team will represent Zimbabwe at the Mina Cup in Dubai from March 30 to April 6 after securing an international partnership facilitated by Zimbabwean coach Royal Mabika.
The arrangement was concluded by Mabika, a Zimbabwean long-distance runner and coach based in Dubai, as part of efforts to promote grassroots sports development and provide young athletes with exposure to international competition.
Speaking on the development, Mabika said the Guinea Fowl Under-15 side, who are national football champions, would be the next Zimbabwean team to compete in the United Arab Emirates.
“My next team coming to the UAE to play at a professional level is the Guinea Fowl Under-15 side, who are national football champions. This is the work I have been doing. Promoting Zimbabwean talent is one of my key priorities.”
The partnership highlights growing sporting links between Zimbabwe and the Middle East, with Mabika noting that similar initiatives have already produced positive outcomes.
“I have exposed four or five athletes to Middle East markets, particularly in athletics. One Zimbabwean is now running professionally for Abu Dhabi Athletics Club. Possibly the first Zimbabwean to be signed by the club,” he added.
Zimbabwean athletes continue to gain recognition beyond the country’s borders across various sporting disciplines, driven by deliberate efforts to create pathways that connect home-grown talent to elite international platforms.
