Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
BRITISH academy coach Grant Brown says a number of Zimbabwean players can make the grade in professional leagues in Europe if given the opportunity. He said this after watching the Harare Derby between old foes CAPS United and Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Football CV Academy head coach is in the country for a week-long training clinic with Bheki Nyoni’s BN Academy as part of the two institutions’ exchange programmes.

Brown is likely to watch the top-of-the-table clash between Ngezi Platinum Stars and Highlanders at Baobab this Saturday.
And the Briton told The Herald yesterday he was impressed by several players who took part in the Harare Derby.
“I was very impressed, the crowd, the atmosphere and everything.

“Tactically, both teams were very disciplined and you could see some real aspects that characterise derbies in the professional leagues.
“Some of the players who were in action can actually fit in any team in the professional leagues.
“They just need to improve slightly in some aspects, but I tell you, Zimbabwean league is blessed with good players.

“I might have watched just a single game last Sunday, but a good player can even be identified even in low pressure games.
“But considering this was one of the most difficult games, it being a Derby and for some players it becomes difficult to be able to rise to the occasion and showcase what they can do freely.”

Two players between the age of 15 and 21 will be selected at the end of Brown’s clinic on Friday and they will be given a rare opportunity to spend close to two weeks in the United Kingdom in August along with other stars who would have been picked globally.

He is being assisted by Laban Kandi, Steve Chikodzi, Philemon Kutyakureva, Mike Madzivanyika and Antony Vheriwa.
Nyoni said besides the two players who will be picked by Brown, at the end of the week, eight other athletes will join them as BN Academy try to give an opportunity for footballers to break into the professional leagues.

“Basically, by bringing these professional coaches, we are trying to expose these youngsters to the modern trends in football training.

“Two players will be picked at the end of the day and we will provide eight more for the world training camp in the United Kingdom under the wings of Football CV Academy.

“It’s our hope as BN Academy to see these young players breaking into the professional leagues,” he said.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey