Story by Raynald Ngwarati
JADEL China have been crowned the winners of the JADEL U13 Invitational Football Tournament after beating Scottland Academy two-nil at Belgravia Sports Club this weekend.
Under 13 footballers this Saturday had a chance to showcase their skills in front of top scouts as the JADEL U13 Football Tournament took centre stage at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare.
The invitational tournament eyed to spread the wings of the grassroots football development project to different academies, with a goal of collaborating to change the face of Zimbabwean football and restore the country’s former glory.
With a project tailored to boost Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the JADEL Football Academy has adopted a stance to partner other academies in the project to develop the country’s football.
JADEL Football Academy Official Nyasha Kadenge said, “We want any talent from any part of the country to get a chance to play and be seen. The hope is that talent is developed all over Zimbabwe. So we are happy to draw teams from all over the country.”
Warriors assistant coach and Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach, Takesure Chiragwi emphasised the importance of building from the grassroots to achieve football supremacy.
“This programme eye 2034 and you will notice that some of these players by 2034 will be around 18-20 years old. Therefore such programmes help in nurturing players who will represent the country and play in the PSL who have grown in talent, technique and skill,” Chiragwi said.
Eight teams including JADEL China and JADEL Zimbabwe graced the pitch in a round robin tournament, which was eventually won by the visitors; JADEL China who edged Scottland Academy 2-nil to clinch gold.
