Sinokubonga Nkala
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
BULAWAYO’S representatives in the Ibercup that kicks off in Johannesburg today, Biya4 Football Academy arrived in the South African commercial capital yesterday morning.
They left Bulawayo by road on Tuesday afternoon to give themselves at least a day to rest before participating in an eye-opening event that could whet the football appetites of the teenagers.
It is a potential life-changing event as agents and scouts are expected to be on the lookout for emerging teen talent from around the globe and there will be Bulawayo boys up for a show.
Legendary Peter Ndlovu was identified at one such tournament in 1990 when a Highlanders and Zimbabwe Saints Select toured Scotland and Wales to take part in the Aberdeen and Ian Rush Youth Festivals.
The team will compete against teams that include AmaZulu, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and SuperSport United, as well as international giants Paris St Germain of France, Juventus of Italy, and Benfica of Portugal. The tournament, which originated 15 years ago, will run until December 16.
Biya and Friends coach Goodson Gama expressed confidence in his team and predicted that they could excel in the competition. “We’re excited to be participating in this prestigious tournament in South Africa. While we’re aware of the stiff competition, I believe our team has the potential to make a strong impression. We’ve been working hard in training, focusing on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses. Our goal is to take it one game at a time, stay focused, and enjoy the experience. We’re looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to test ourselves against top teams from the region,” Gama said.
Zifa Bulawayo Province chairman Francis Ntutha, who is accompanying the team, described the tour as a milestone. “This tour is a significant milestone for us, and we are thrilled to see our young players from the province competing on the international stage,” Ntutha said.
The brains behind the Biya4 Academy project is Thulani “Biya” Ncube, the former Highlanders, Young Warriors and Warriors captain. The project, based in Gwabalanda, boasts several Bulawayo lads who played junior development football and proceeded to the US, assisting Ncube under the Biya and Friends banner. The Gauteng provincial sports department is hosting the tournament, which features age categories ranging from eight to 18 years.
The tournament is believed to be the world’s largest youth football organisation, founded in 2010, is staging the event.
Ibercup hosts annual football projects, including tournaments (Fifa-accredited) in Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Poland, England, Australia, China, the USA, and now in South Africa. Ibercup has partnered with top international football clubs, local clubs, and government sports departments to deliver best practices in youth football.-@innocentskizoe
mbulelo smpofu
