The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Flying Stars Soccer Academy (YFSSA) have rolled out their programme for 2019, which is characterised by outreach trials in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North as well as Matabeleland South.
Colleen Nyambiya, the YFSSA founder said they start their training sessions for five to 16 age groups on 19 January, with the Under-20 to get together three days later with trials to be conducted at Raylton Sports Club. Some of the places Nyambiya plans to scout for players from include Imbizo Barracks, Cement Siding, Umguza District, Figtree, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Shangani, Filabusi and Gwanda.
Young Flying Stars Academy Under-10 warming up at Raylton Sports Club
“We have come up with our programme from January to December which we have given to the parents so that they can also plan around it,’’ Nyambiya said.
Colleen Nyambiya with Clemence Westerhof
On the trials that they will be conducting, Nyambiya said they are targeting Under-18 players for their team which plays in the Zifa Bulawayo Under-20 League. In 2018, the YFSSA finished fifth in the 14 team league and are looking to finish in a better position this year.
Clemence Westerhof at Young Flying Stars Soccer Academy awards ceremony at Raylton Sports Club
Businessman Peter Mubi has come in to partner YFSSA, with plans to put up a camping house in the near future so that the Under-20 boys stay in the same place ahead of their matches on Saturdays.
“Our partner Peter Mubi will facilitate for our travel to underprivileged rural communities and find gems of players and make sure they get to the top flight league locally and also abroad,’’ said Nyambiya.
Former national team coach, Clemens Westerhof in October came to the country for a short stint with YFSSA at the invitation of Mubi.
— @Mdawini_29
