“I am one of those concerned at the lack of talent identification and nurturing initiatives in the country and that is the reason behind the academy,” said Nyangela, whose school of soccer has 60 registered players from the Under-10 to the Under-18 age groups.
Lack of sponsorship has affected his capacity to upgrade training facilities and establish proper offices for the academy, situated in one of the bastions of soccer talent in Harare. He has been financing the running costs from his own pocket, which is slowly but inexorably taking its toll. The only help he has been getting has been the transportation of players and the buying of kit by local businessman, Charles Machipisa.
“This is the academy that brought to the fore players like striker Patrick Jaure and defender Cliff Sekete, who now play for league champions Dynamos,” said Nyangela.
Despite the challenges, he vowed to continue his activities and challenged other former players to come to the fore and give back to the communities that cheered them to popularity. “Most PSL teams are not interested in the junior policy, but run after developed players and therefore, it is former stars’ duty to make sure that talent development does not die a natural death,” he added.
Post published in: Sport