Tawanda Munthali
Ruwa based grassroots development side, Power11 Academy were crowned champions of the second edition of the Jadel Football Academy Invitational tournament which was held on Unity Day at Prince Edward.
Power 11 were crowned champions after edging hosts 5-4 on penalties having played to a goalless draw in regulation time.
Power11 Academy director Tapiwa Ndewere described his sides victory at the invitational tournament as positive development to his charges.
“This tournament was good preparation for our European tour next year, and I ma happy with the lessons that we got from this tournament
“It is always good to end the year on a high note,” said Ndewere.
With incidents of age cheating threatening to ruin the tournament, Ndewere urged his fellow academy administrators and directors to treat the junior football tournaments as developmental platforms for the future stars.
“Development is very important, all the administrators should know that these tournaments are not about winning but are for the development of our future stars.
“The purpose of an academy is similar to that of a pre-school as we teach children to write not to compete to write words,” he said.
The tournament which was held under the theme “Giving the youths a better future and making football career; don’t allow drugs rob you of your dreams,” saw a total of 10 teams squaring off for the much coveted prize.
A total of ten academies participated at this year’s edition of the JFA Invitational tournament.
JFA invitational tournament is brainchild of former Zimbabwe Young Warriors defender, Walter Musanhu who is now based in China.
The tournament was launched in 2019 before going on three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.
