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Fungayi Munyoro Mutare Correspondent
SEVEN players from Manicaland benefited from the Academy 2063 scholarships and will enrol at Prince Edward High School for Form 1 next year. The event took place at Prince Edward High School in Harare over the weekend. The selected players who were awarded scholarships included Nokutenda Chikwandingwa from Mount Melleray in Nyanga, Farai Tsinakwadi from St Killians in Rusape, Prosper Padera of Sakubva Primary School and City Vellos, Tinashe Chiropa of Mutanda Primary School and Barons and Luke Musikiri, Steven Chatikobo and Tichaona Mazvura all from Checheche Primary School in Chipinge.

All provinces were represented with Manicaland contributing the highest number of players.

Manicaland Province coach Brian Mukundu said he was very happy to contribute the highest number of players to the academy.

“I am really excited as the Manicaland coach. I travelled with ten players,” he said.

“Unfortunately, three players could not make it, seven were selected.

“I’m so happy to have contributed the highest number of players.

“I really see pure talent in my players, given 3-4 years from now they will be great players.

“Now that they will be taken care of, they will make an impact in the Young Warriors’ squad and with this kind of the environment, the sky is the limit.

“I’m grateful to some parents who travelled with us to Harare just to support their children.”

The Manicaland boys will now join the other 13 players from other provinces next year for Form 1 studies.

Plans are underway to construct a club house and boarding facilities for the players who will be at Prince Edward.

“Academy 2063’s aim is to identify and nurture talent among the junior players from the age of 13.

It is being spearheaded by South Africa-based businessman Regis Dzenga in partnership with former Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari and former basketball player Blessing Rugano.

In handing the scholarship, Dzenga encouraged the boys to work hard in both academics and in the field of play.