Story by Lawrence Trusida
THE ZIFA Northern Region Women’s League has expressed satisfaction with the continued entry of academies into its competitions, saying the development-focused teams align with the league’s mandate, as Chitungwiza-based Frankton Academy celebrated qualification into the Women’s Division One League at their awards ceremony held on Saturday at the Aquatic Complex.
The ZIFA Northern Region Women’s League says the inclusion of academies in its structures is strengthening the foundation of women’s football, with such teams prioritising long-term player development.
“We are happy to see academies coming into the league because our mandate is developmental. These academies help groom players for the future, both on and off the football field. We have a strategy where 30% of the teams must be below the age of 20 and this resonated well with our strategy, and we will assist them as much as possible,” the Secretary General of the Northern Region Women’s League, Doubt Dhliwayo said.
Frankton Academy Director, Dr Frankton Marinyu, says the club is built on a holistic model that balances football excellence with academic achievement.
“Our objective is to develop proper footballers who also perform well academically. At the academy, we have two girls who attained 15 points and another who got 14 points at ‘A’ Level, which shows that education remains a priority.”
Players at the academy say football has given them renewed hope and a clear sense of purpose.
At the awards ceremony, Mitchell Million was named Player of the Year and Best Defender, Taropafadzwa Nyachowe scooped the Best Goalkeeper award, while Gogo Chinake was honoured as Best Supporter, as Frankton Academy marked a major milestone ahead of their debut season in the Division One League.
