The Sunday News
Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
ZIFA Southern Region Division One league newcomers Mosi Rovers’ preparations for the new season got a huge boost after an Italian coach, Laquintana Angelo made a donation of 12 match balls, warm up kit, training bibs and cones before assisting the team in their pre-season for a week in the resort town.
Angelo is a member of All Soccer Academy in Italy which entered in a partnership with the ambitious Rovers who are aiming to make a huge impact in their first campaign. Rovers chairman Mubita Mwanda says efforts to turn his side into a big football brand are beginning to bear fruits.
“This is a historic feat for a small club like ours to have a partnership with an academy based in a country known for its football excellence worldwide.
“The partnership we have with All Soccer Academy, who were represented by Angelo for the past week here in Victoria Falls is something to build our success on. Besides the donation we received, we benefited from the technical expertise of Angelo as he helped with our pre-season and trials,’’ said Mwanda.
In a separate interview, Angelo said he was impressed with Rovers’ junior development thrust which saw them gaining promotion into Division One at the end of last year.
“I am very happy to have spent a week with Mosi Rovers and our agreement with the club entails exchange programmes between the two countries. The team has a vibrant junior policy and I will use my influence back home to ensure we organise some football camps for these youngsters for them to gain exposure. The relationship is long term as we aim to help this team which has a vision to grow in the game.” said Angelo.
Rovers coach Pumulo Mathe is pleased with efforts by his paymasters and has promised to deliver.
“The trials are at an advanced stage, morale is very high in camp and the team’s leadership is awesome hence we will work to deliver results on the field. There are also high chances of having friendly matches with at least two premier league sides before the season kicks off,’’ said Mathe.
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