It all started in February when the F6 Youth League got underway. The journey has had mixed feelings towards the 8 teams that participated from the beginning of the games. We witnessed some exciting and beautiful football from the ghetto youths. Our boys did exceptionally well in the 4 age groups that participated (U12, U14, U16, and U18).
To start with, the younger age groups, the U12, and U14 did remarkably well as the boys did manage to enjoy the beautiful game. They did play to enjoy, and this made us realize the potential talents amongst the ghetto youths. These younger groups were disciplined, always punctual, and followed instructions without complaining, they showed love for the game. As coach M Zengeni once said, “catch them young before drugs do”. On and off the field of play, be it the 8-0 hammering of Marisa Academy by the U12 team or losing, they were always full of happiness to be together. That proved a success for the academy in the recreational part. The major highlight for the U14 team this season is evident in the Charles Manjera U14 tournament which is still underway, and we are one of the four semi-finalists.
The U16 team proved to be the best learners of the academy’s philosophy, applying all training material in the games. They lost only twice and won all the remaining 12 games. The team was on fire throughout the season led by Captain Tinashe Zvobgo and did not disappoint, most importantly they applied training principles in the games and that provided a real picture of the academy’s philosophy. Such performances saw the team being crowned champions of the league with 5 games to spare. Both Coach M. Zengeni and Z. Beta were impressed by the determination shown by the boys and their ability to adjust to the demands of the academy’s way of playing.
Lastly, the U18 team had its own ups and downs since it was a group quickly assembled for the season. The boys also managed to pick on academy principles on and off the pitch as the season progressed. They manage to bring the first major trophy home (Healing Streams Soccer 2022 Trophy). The goal is to help the boys at this age to shape up and kick start their professional careers in competitive leagues. With the mentorship structures set up in the academy, we hope to assist many more soccer aspiring ghetto youths
Special mention goes to all the organizers, coaches, patrons, managers, and presidents of the 8 teams that participated. These stakeholders made the F6 Youth League a major success story for ghetto youths to enjoy football and improve their footballing skills. We hope in the future the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) will chip in and support our local youths in the game. As an academy, we would like to thank our supporters and parents who continue to support the talent and vision of both the academy and the boys. Parents and the academy are working tirelessly to teach these ghetto youths to combine school and football. We continue to stand on that as an academy as we say, ” School and Football” as well as “No to Substance and Alcohol abuse”. Until next season we continue to work hard towards the goal of developing skilled professionals and talented people in academics and sport for Zimbabwe and beyond.