JADEL Football Academy yesterday departed Harare for China, where it will participate in the 100 Cup tournament for the fourth consecutive year.
The academy, which received clearance from ZIFA and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), will represent Zimbabwe at the international youth football tournament as it continues with its Vision 2034 project aimed at developing players capable of competing on the global stage.
Founded by former Motor Action and Young Warriors player Walter "Ringers" Musanhu, JADEL Football Academy was established in China before opening its Zimbabwean arm in 2019. The academy has built a reputation for exposing young Zimbabwean footballers to international competition, having won gold, silver and bronze medals at previous editions of the 100 Cup.
Speaking before departure, academy director Musanhu said the Vision 2034 project is centred on grooming players who can one day represent Zimbabwe at the FIFA World Cup.
"When we talk about the World Cup, we are talking about football teams playing in England and Spain, so failing to give these youngsters exposure would only delay the project," said Ringers.
"We want these kids to get as much exposure as possible."
Musanhu said the academy's fourth trip to China coincides with the 43rd anniversary of the 100 Cup, describing the tournament as one of the most consistent youth football development platforms.
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"The 100 Cup has been consistent in junior football development, and we are learning a lot from it. We hope to implement those lessons back home," he said.
On expectations, Ringers said the academy's focus goes beyond winning trophies.
"Football is not just about winning. Sometimes we lose. Just like last year, we were the defending champions, but we went there to hand back the trophy," he said.
"We learnt a lot because most of the players and teams we meet train virtually every day and they really mean business. They also have players who are playing in Spain, while others have been sent to Italy, so it has been a valuable learning experience for us. We are now doing similar things, albeit on a smaller scale."
Dynamos secretary-general Devine Sena, whose son is among the travelling players, said the academy's programme is playing a key role in developing Zimbabwe's future football stars.
"It is a project that we have seen grow, and it is one that JADEL is committed to. From the beginning, these kids have been given exposure that allows them to measure themselves against Chinese and European players. That is what we are looking for in building junior football in the country," said Sena.
Parent Pamela Musaka, whose son is also travelling with the academy, thanked JADEL for giving young footballers an opportunity to compete in Asia.
"They say, 'Catch them young,' and all thanks to Mr Walter Ringers for helping build a better future for these youngsters. Even during their stay in China, they can be inspired by the discipline they see and understand what it takes to become a professional footballer," she said.
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