Mberengwa Primary School in the Midlands province came alive last Saturday as Mbesa Academy hosted football trials for aspiring players in the U9, U13, U15 and U17 age groups, unearthing a new generation of talent.
A total of 21 players were signed following the highly competitive trials, which showcased raw skill and determination from young footballers across the district.
Several standout players have already been awarded full scholarships to support their primary education.
For Mbesa Academy, football is about more than just the game — it is a pathway to opportunity and a tool for social transformation.
Founded in Mberengwa, the academy has steadily built a reputation as one of the Central Region’s most reliable talent pipelines, with its footprint evident in Division One and Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams across Zimbabwe.
Mbesa Academy coach and director, Neviel Zunde, said he is proud of the institution’s growing list of alumni making strides in competitive football.
“Qubekani Zondo, who was named among the 11 Soccer Stars of the Season in the ZIFA Central Region while playing for Jame West, is now with Nkayi United. Brendon Gonde is making his mark in Division One with Super Strikers, while Ronald Shava anchors the midfield at West Nicholson. Edson Brown Moyo is impressing with the MWOS U19 side, and Reginald Chinemo, who previously featured for Green Fuel in the Premier Soccer League, has since joined MWOS FC and is already a regular starter,” said Zunde.
Speaking after the trials, Zunde reaffirmed the academy’s mission to nurture talent from grassroots level.
“We want to produce more and more talent. Mberengwa has the hunger and the skill—our job is to provide structure, discipline and a pathway to the big stage,” he said.
He added that the academy was established to bridge the gap in opportunities for young players in rural areas.
“The idea was to give youngsters opportunities we never had growing up. We want to identify talent early and mould these players into future professionals,” Zunde said.
Parents and local scouts commended the organisation of the trials, highlighting that the scholarship programme will ease the financial burden on families while ensuring that talented children remain in school.
With another promising group of young players now on its books, Mbesa Academy continues to cement its status as a vital hub for football development in Mberengwa and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in rural Zimbabwe.