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First Mobile Sports Academy players, technical staff and parents pose for a photo yesterday

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS First Mobile Sports Academy, owned by Canadian-based Zimbabwean, Isaac Mbedzi, yesterday held their inaugural end of year awards ceremony at Matshobana surburb where they awarded youngsters that excelled in their three-age teams that compete in the Zifa Bulawayo’s Serie A League.

Mbedzi runs a similar academy in the North American country and his academy in Zimbabwe is competing in the League for the first time having bought a franchise at the beginning of the season that also saw them roping in former Highlanders skipper Dazy Kapenya and fiery striker Thabani Masawi as part of their technical set up.

Another former top striker Abraham Mbaiwa is also part of the technical team that has Richard Ndlovu and Mpilo Ncube.

Young Talent Dube scooped the Under-14 Top Goalscorer Award while Lexington Mujokoro, son to former Highlanders player and newly promoted Bulawayo City assistant coach Farai, took the Best Player accolade.

Tinashe Madzitire scored the most goals in the Under-16 age group for the Cowdray Park-based developmental side while the best player award in that age group went to Andile Dlodlo. In the Under-18 catergory, Sawusani Mudimba had the most goals in an age group that saw Thomas Mpofu getting the Best Player award.

Bulawayo City’s Players Player of the Year and goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda’s son, Gerald, who plays in the Under-14s, followed his dad after he was voted the academy’s best player of the season. Gerald is also a goalkeeper.

“Our purpose really was to inspire these kids, we also want to get their parents to support their children as they pursue a career in football. Children are our future in terms of sport and as FMSA, we take that seriously,” said academy chairman and South African-based businessman Bekithemba Dube.

The ceremony was attended by Zifa education officer Brian Moyo, celebrated radio personality Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and former fiery wrestler Allan Ripper Mpofu.

“We’re proud of the boys and we remain hopeful that next year we will even do better in our various age group competitions,” said Dube.