Traditional healer’s soccer academy playing well

Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira

MUTARE -Faithdrive Soccer Academy coach Admire Mahachi believes his young players are adapting to his system well after playing out a nil all stalemate with the defending champions Black Rhinos Queens in a Zimbabwe Women’s Supper League match played at Nyamauru ground on Saturday .

The Dangamvura-based side which is owned by renown traditional healer, Mbuya Nelia Musikavanhu, made its top-flight debut in 2011, and has nurtured a number of girls since it’s formation in 2004. The Academy which was formally registered in 2013 has produced notable players who have been part of the Mighty Warriors. Some of the players include Shyline Dambamuromo, Melody Chikore, Alice Moyo and Rennnie Mudimu, Cynthia Shonga and Berita Kabwe
After loaning his senior players to log leaders Herentals, Mahachi has created a new look side which features under 18 players save for the team’s captain Delan Mbawa who is 19.

“They are adapting slowly and we are getting there. We have loaned most of our senior players to log leaders Herentals. We have some new players who are adjusting well to our philosophy and I expect them to continue improving.

“We have a mixture of experienced and young players who are doing the job very well.My key players are now Bethel Kondo (16 ), Catherine Gwangwara (17), Morelife Nyagumbo (17), Cristabel Zulu (17),Tabitha Mafunga(17) and Melinda Mapasure (17). I also have Samantha Mushonga ,Cottilda Chirinda who are 13 years old and the duo of Amanda Mwarehwa and Polite Dzuremba both 14 years old. I think these youngsters will get to another level and as a coach my aim is to develop these players,” he said.

Mahachi remains confident of meeting his set target of a top eight finish by the end of the campaign. However, the veteran gaffer has lamented lack of sponsorship as one of the major factors hindering their progress.
“We have worked so hard to get where we are and we have very good chances to finish in a respected position. Right now we don’t have sponsorship,” he said.
This weekend Mahachi and his charges sixth on the log with 26 points from 18 matches will travel a long journey to Bulawayo for a date with Barrow Jets.