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Sports Reporter
AFTER getting their Challenge League campaign off to a flying start, Eagles Academy will be hoping to make it two out of two when they entertain Cranborne at Hellenic Sports Club this afternoon.

Eagles were the biggest winners of the opening day of the inaugural Challenge League, a competition of academy football players in Harare, who are aged between 18-21 years.

Goals by Admire Gatsi in the 16th minute, Anesu Mufumha two minutes later and Maxwell Makomeke on the stroke of half-time gave Eagles just the kind of start they had hoped for in their triumph over Galaxy.

While Eagles were winning convincingly over Galaxy, Cranborne came-a-cropper against Dickson Choto’s DC Academy who beat them 2-0 via a goal each by Rufaro Kunjayira in the 30th minute and a 61st minute effort by Omar Tsuro from the penalty spot.

Organisers of the league, which is expected to produce talent for the domestic and international game, were left satisfied with the opening day proceedings and are hopeful the academies will maintain the same momentum every other weekend.

“With schools closing for the holidays, the crowds at Hellenic Sports Club are also expected to grow even bigger. The first weekend exceeded expectations with spectators impressed with the organisation of the league. ’As you know, this league accommodates more than 150 prospective players and prepares them for professional football careers. In addition to the soccer played, the players are taught life-skills and what to expect in a professional career. The competition is highly competitive and ensures players between 18-21 have maximum playing time and provides a platform for them to improve their game.”