By Skilder Makona
REAL Betis Academy Zimbabwe has set the ball rolling at Heritage School in Harare where the club conducted its first training session this Saturday.
Over 25 youngsters ranging from 15 to 18 years of age converged at Heritage School in Harare this Saturday for the first-ever Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe training session after the club was cleared by the government to conduct its activities.
Academy coaches Murape Murape and Gift Lunga Junior spoke of their passion for grassroots football but bemoaned lack of investment by clubs in junior development programmes.
“I am excited to have kick-started this programme for juniors for I desire to uplift and guide these youths to achieve their dreams. I, however, am concerned about the lack of vibrant junior development programmes in the country and I call upon all football stakeholders to come together and embrace what we are doing so that our youngsters get the much training and exposure for the growth of the game,” said Murape.
“I am grateful to Murape for this opportunity as a young coach who is still and eager to learn, and also passionate about juniors, I want to make sure that these guys embrace this opportunity that has been brought by this academy and look ahead in preparation for their future,” said Lunga.
Given the zeal and exuberance that the technical team and the players had at the training session, it is clear that the coming in of Real Betis Academy in Zimbabwe will boost grassroots football and ultimately transform the face of the game in the country.
The open training session also saw the academy executives interacting with the media and showcasing some of the equipment and methods the club will be using during the execution of its drive.
The Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe chapter was launched at a colourful ceremony in Harare in October this year, with the club also set to establish another centre in Bulawayo.
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