Bruce Grobbellar and friends donate soccer kits to Far Post

0
285

By Tawanda Chikono

Zengeza- Far Post Academy of Zengeza 3 in Chitungwiza received a consignment of football kit – an assortment of jerseys, gloves, soccer boots and pairs of socks from former Liverpool and Warriors goalkeeper Bruce “Jungleman” Grobbellar, former Caps defender Darlington Choto and Calvin Adano, former Air Zimbabwe Jets player. The trio are based in Canada and are much involved with the beautiful game.

The kit unveiling ceremony was done at the Zengeza 3 grounds recently and was graced by officials from the Ministry of Sport and Recreation Chitungwiza district office, former players and referees and parents from the community.

According to the Academy’ Spokesperson and Assistant Coach Ezekiel Putirwa the academy extended its begging bowl far and beyond its perennial helpers – the parents.

“We have been praying for such gesture to also befall us and the three gentlemen understood our plight and now our teams are fully and smartly dressed,” said Putirwa.

Far Post Academy caters for young children in and around Zengeza 3 and Chitungwiza at large. Children age ranges from as young as 7 years old up to 20 years old. The players are divided into 5 categories namely Under 13, 15, 17, 20 years and the recently established girls soccer team.

The academy was established in 1990 by the brains of former Miekles and Black Aces star midfield Felix Masunda.

Over the years it has groomed nurtured and chained out players for local, regional and international leagues. The likes of former Kaizer Chiefs striker Liberty Masunda, Midfield star Patrick Daka, Kudzai Munyanyi and Misheck Juma to mention just a few.

In the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) Far Post boast of having been able to provide players like Striker Clive Rupiya at Bulawayo City, Tinashe Mupuma at Shabanie FC and Linos Muchetu at Tsholotsho FC.

Felix Masunda, the Founder and Manager of the academy said this is a dream come true for him to be remembered by the sons of the soil.

“This is such a dream come true to be remembered and helped by these sons of the soil. Their timely boast have given me renewed energy and my wish is to grow the academy through encompassing the girl child as well as to create our own premiership club”.

These same sentiments were echoed by the Guest speaker retired referee Fred Musonza who rightfully added that there is abundant talent that need to be nurtured in Chitungwiza.

“There is so much talent here in Chitungwiza and it’s a pity if we as elders leave it to go down the drain,” said Musonza.

A former Dynamos striker who got nurtured at the academy Francis “Super” Mandiwanzira applauded the gesture and said  the academy brings hope for a brighter football future in Chitungwiza.

“The academy really provide hope for a brighter future both in football and life for the young people of Chitungwiza,” said Mandiwanzira.

Chitungwiza District Sport and Recreation Officer, Mr Tawanda Chikono applauded the donation and said it will go a long way in proving the base for grassroots sport and recreation development.

“This is in line with our National Sport and Recreation Policy were we are advocating for mass participation in the communities and this donation has been given to the right people considering the abundance of talent that have come out of the academy and flown the Zimbabwe flag very high”, said Mr Chikono.

The parents applauded the gesture at the ceremony which ended with a match pitting Far Post Academy and Sky Eagle of Nyatsime that concluded the fun filled and fruitful day for the Chitungwiza community. The academy spokesperson conclusively called out to former sons of the academy to remember their roots by donating and visiting the team to boast the young players’ self-esteem. With such contributions football is set to grow in the community.

LEAVE A REPLY