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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter

PLAYER Muleya’s solitary goal handed Binga Academy’s Under-15 soccer team a victory as they edged Manjolo Soccer Academy, rounding up their preparations for a Mutare tour.

The Under-15 clash was one of the three age groups matches played between Manjolo Soccer Academy and Binga Academy on Sunday at Manjolo Business Centre.

The hosts, Manjolo Sports Academy won the Under-10s clash 1-0 courtesy of an Audience Muchimba goal, before Binga Academy emerged 4-2 victorious in the Under-13s match.

Able Munsaka and Musocha Bayela were on target for Manjolo Academy, with Binga Academy getting their goals from Buumi Munkuli, Courage Munkuli, Justo Ncube and Muzulwidi Siajuni.

But it was the Under-15 encounter which Binga Academy desperately needed to win to lift the players’ confidence ahead of the Mutare tour.

Winners of the Fortune Fokoza Ncube youth tournament, Binga Academy’s Under-15 team will travel to Mutare to participate at the annual sixth edition of the Mai Hondo Soccer Tournament on December 16-17.

In Mutare, Binga Academy will compete against MAJESA of Mutare who had their Under-17 team winning the Marvelous Nakamba Junior’s trophy, visiting teams from Chipinge, Buhera, Mutasa, Harare, Masvingo and Rusape.

Binga Football Academy 

Pride Ngwenya, Binga Academy’s coach and founder was happy with his players’ performance as he appealed for assistance to take the boys to Mutare.

“The boys played well and as their coach, I’m happy with how they are improving. Our goal is to keep exposing these youngsters to lots of competitions so that they grow in confidence and are not intimidated by playing against any opponent.

“Right now, we were invited to compete at a tournament in Mutare but the challenge we are facing is raising money for transport.

We are appealing to individuals and companies to assist us so that we send these kids for the tournament. You never know, there might be scouts out there and one of the boys might be spotted there and their life can change for the better,” Ngwenya said.

Manjolo Soccer Academy coach Norman Sikabele said they will keep playing the juniors’ football games as part of their efforts to nurture and market talent from Binga.

“Our academy is seven months old and I’m happy with how the boys are developing. We’ve picked some lessons from our games against Binga Academy, lessons that will certainly improve how the boys play.

We will keep on organising such matches so that the boys get to play competitive games and also develop their skills.

“Our ultimate goal is to nurture and show the world that Binga has talent. Hopefully, in years to come, some of these boys will play in the local Premiership or even outside the country,” Sikabele said. — @ZililoR