Don Makanyanga
ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League side, MWOS FC coach, Lloyd Mutasa believes that synergies between professional football clubs and schools play a key role in the development of players.
Mutasa, whose MWOS FC has a synergy with St Eric, winners of this year’s edition of the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) Proton-Surrey Under-20 tournament, has called on clubs to create partnerships with schools.
“There was a lot of talent at the Nash Under-20 tournament and I believe that a creation of synergies between schools and professional football clubs will play a pivotal role in the development of players.
“We have a twinning partnership with St Eric and I think our partnership with them was key in the team being crowned champions for the (Nash) Proton-Surrey Under-20 tournament.
“And, the more the clubs have the partnerships with the schools, the better for the development of players as it plays a crucial part in the transformation of players from grassroots level into professional players,” said Mutasa.
He revealed that 10 players from St Eric are on their books with five already commanding first team jerseys in his side.
“”I believe that giving these youngsters an opportunity to play in professional leagues goes a long way in preparing the players for the top-flight at a tender age hence we will be giving more opportunities to these youngsters,” said Mutasa
St Eric coach, Farai Hanyani, credits his charges triumph at the Nash tournament to the partnership the school has with MWOS.
“It is evident that for us as school we are benefiting a lot from the experience of a respected mentor, Lloyd Mutasa,” said Hanyani.