Bruce Chikuni
REAL Betis Academy travel to Norton for the first time tomorrow when they meet PW Academy at Ngoni.
PW Academy were established earlier this year by Tatenda Wadyajena, who is also a holder of a degree in sports science and management.
Football agent, Micheal Ngobeni, who was behind Khama Billiat’s switch from Mamelodi Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs, will be a guest at this fixture.
Norton is believed to be rich in football talent and is credited with producing the Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter.
And, Wadyajena, feels he has a big role to play in shaping the town’s next generation of stars.
He also wants to use his connections in South Africa, the Middle East and East Africa to export these recruits.
“We have invited Real Betis Academy just to inspire these youngsters that they are not really far from their dreams.
“The idea of this fixture is to help our boys to instil self-belief because developmental games are not about results but they can be used a reality check.
“We have enough talent in Norton, we have to walk the talk in nurturing that potential and I’m going to use my connections to make sure that some of these youngsters reach the highest possible destination,” said Wadyajena.
He added.
“The is also a way to give back to the community which made us who we are today.
“We have invested modern training equipment so that when these youngsters make their foreign breakthrough, they won’t feel out of place.
“We are also planning to start nationwide tours, just to expose these youngsters to different environments where they can take football as a profession.
“This will also help to keep them busy, strengthen their relationships and understanding.”