ZIFA’s fresh approach on junior football development hailed

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

JUNIOR football development leaders in Mashonaland West have hailed the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for resuscitating provincial leagues across the country.

After years of neglect by previous ZIFA administrators, junior football development has started to gather pace, thanks to a deliberate strategy by the Nqobolile Magwizi led association.

Recently appointed ZIFA Mashonaland West Junior Football Development Committe president, Ricardo Hwasheni Desouza, says more focus should be on unearthing fresh talent from all corners of the country.

“I am delighted to assume this new post, and I am ready to serve and improve football development in Mashonaland West,” said Hwasheni Desouza, founder of Red Yellow Blue academy and Banket United patron.

“More focus should be on supporting our national teams with quality young players who can then be able to replace the likes of Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat when they decide to call it quits.”

Mashonaland West province held a tournament to select players for the national Under-17 squad at Chinhoyi Stadium on Saturday.

“We want to create more platforms for all talented young footballers in Mashonaland West to showcase their talent and get to be selected for the national teams.

“Our Committee endeavours to nurture young football talent.

“It seems the sun is rising for Zimbabwe football,” he said.

Hwasheni De Souza is also a businessman who is renowned for his passion for junior football development in the province.

The Mashonaland West Junior football Development Committee also comprises of long serving ZIFA councilor Derrick Matapure, Alfred Tavavarirwa, Alexander George, Farai Charereka, Coaster Munjanganja, Eunice Kasondo, Spencer Banda and Cephas Bhobho.

Hwasheni Desouza feels time has come for Zimbabwe to make the next step and qualify for the World Cup.

The nation has never qualified for the global football showpiece since attaining Independence in 1980.

The Warriors are virtually out of contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup finals to be staged in Canada, Mexico and United States of America.

However, Zimbabwe have been to the Africa Cup of Nations finals five times in 2004, 2006, 2017, 2019 and 2022, but the Warriors are yet to progress beyond the group stage.

“Qualification for the AFCON finals has now become more of a routine and it’s only the next step that’s needed so we qualify for the World Cup.

“Countries like Nigeria and Ghana are renowned for their sound grassroots football systems.

“In 2022 Morocco went all the way to the World Cup semis in Qatar. If you check their profile you will see that they have a deliberate junior football development plan.

“Morocco has churned out star players including talented PSG right back Achraf Hakim, and it’s not by accident, rather it is by design,” said Hwasheni Desouza.

He added: “So as Zimbabwe we should follow suit.

“Luckily we now have a ZIFA leadership that is serious about junior football development.

“Under Magwizi, ZIFA have revived youth football across the country.

“The presence of provincial junior football development committees also helps in promoting transparent selection of junior national teams.

“Our committee remains ambitious and focused on long-term programs to elevate young talents from Mashonaland West to national teams.”

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