Mutukwa Academy head coach Clever Nyikadzino has appealed for more investment in rural football infrastructure to bridge the gap between rural talent and their peers in developed communities.
Mutukwa Academy, based in rural Chiweshe, are playing in the ZIFA Mashonaland Central Division 2 B.
Currently they are sitting in the sixth position with 15 points after nine outings, five points behind log leaders, Ultimate.
“Sponsors must bridge the gap between rural talent and modern football. Better facilities and equipment will unlock potential,” said Nyikadzino.
“Many rural players have skill but lack opportunities.
“But here at Mutukwa Academy, they get the training and visibility to advance.”
Mutukwa Academy is a brainchild of Edward Mutukwa, who is a former club chairman at Black Rhinos and Buffaloes.
As the academy patron, he is channelling his resources to empower emerging rural talent through football.
“As a rural-based academy, Mutukwa provides critical exposure to overlooked talents.
“Our patron, Colonel Mutukwa, has done a great job,” Nyikadzino said.
Nyikadzino said there has been overwhelming progress at the academy since joining at the beginning of the year.
“I’m seeing the progress from the moment I started.
“The guys are developing, and I’m so happy about it. Some of them weren’t good enough initially, but with time, they are working hard and improving.”
As a development coach, Nyikadzino has worked with a number of kids who have turned to be local stars including Samuel Makawa(ZPC Kariba), Juan Mutudza (CAPS United), Peace Makaha (MWOS), Kudzai Chigwida (Ngezi Platinum), Nelson Chadya (Scottland), and Mathew Murambiwa (MWOS) among several others.
“So many young talented guys have come through my hands and are now playing top-flight football. That shows the impact of proper development,” he said.
Despite his success, Nyikadzino lamented the lack of recognition for developmental coaches in the country.
“When players make it big, people forget the coaches who shaped them early,” he said.
“We are overlooked, and worse, many academies don’t secure contracts for young players, leading to losses when they move to bigger clubs.”
He added,
“But now ZIFA’s introduction of FIFA Connect has been making the difference, we urge academies to register fully to create a reliable database for young talents.
While committed to grassroots development, Nyikadzino revealed his long-term ambition.
“I am also thinking about growing up to the level of even coaching the national team. It’s a vision for me.
“I am improving academically and earning badges to reach the top flight.”
