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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter 

REAL Betis Academy Zimbabwe chairman, Gerald Sibanda says one of their main goals for next year is to cast their net wider and scout for talent in rural areas around the country.

The academy just arrived from Spain where they spent 10 days at their parent club.

Sibanda says they learnt a lot from the trip and also outlined their plans for next year. 

“We are back in Zimbabwe, everyone is fine, the entire delegation from the players to the coaches are in great shape. We really learnt a lot. It was an eye-opening trip.

“It was something different for our players which will run on our academy players going forward. Our aim now is to impact the image of Real Betis to the people in the outskirts of Zimbabwe, these are the rural areas,” said Sibanda.

He says they want to give the youth hope through football.

“We are pushing that in 2023, we have a strong drive towards empowering vulnerable communities that is the key focus right now. We want to close that gap between the youngsters in the remote areas and those in the city centres. The idea is to give the youth hope through football. 

“Our senior players were impressed that they got their reports and feedback from Real Betis, they are now being tracked in the Real Betis system as they progress. We look forward to them finding professional contracts any time soon.”

Gerald Sibanda

Sibanda is of the view that Zimbabwean talent deserves the big stage.

“Real Betis is a home for all Zimbabweans for many years to come, as we seek International recognition as a country, one of the biggest European and Spanish La Liga clubs with a proud, rich history chose us, they have been more than a bigger brother and sister to our people, Zimbabwean talent belongs on the big stage, let us embrace the synergies offered by Real Betis in our continuous development as a football loving nation, we want to reach youth in the outskirts and far regions of Zimbabwe, we want inclusivity in the game, especially to the vulnerable communities, so they can find a better life through football and Sport, in 2023 we have a key focus to reach those communities and give them Betis, give them our Image and football as a way of life,” said Sibanda.

— @innocentskizoe