By Tamuka Charakupa
The country’s football mother body, ZIFA, has embarked on a countrywide talent nurturing exercise in rural communities with a view to promote the growth of the sport throughout the country.
ZIFA officials said the programme will be extended to all corners of the country as part of preparations towards the resumption of lower leagues and area zone football.
“We have come here to give community-based teams a kick-start with equipment so that when soccer resumes they are able to start with no challenges,” said ZIFA Communications & Competitions Manager Xolisani Gwesela.
ZIFA Manicaland Chairperson Kuziva Nyabeza said, “Football is an industry itself. We want to identify and nurture talent through these initiatives. Shun away from drug and substance abuse and join a soccer side and see where this takes you.”
Teams welcomed the initiative as an opportunity for their sides to be identified.
Meanwhile, ZIFA has also introduced the Younger Referees Association, a department aimed at training future referees from the age of 14 as part of grooming and promoting growth of game in the country.
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