Legendary former Warriors' coach Sunday Chidzambwa has been impressed by the world class FC Porto Academy Zimbabwe training, which concluded in Harare last Friday.
The four-day camp sought to give talented young footballers an opportunity to be exposed to the Portuguese giants FC Porto's football methodology as well as to impress the coaches and be picked into the academy.
At least 200 kids from the age of five up to 18, from across the country were part of the training camp.
Chidzambwa is now part of the FC Porto project in the country in an advisory capacity.
"I think basically we have a national problem, especially in football basics. We are a bit poor in our technique, ball control, passing, running off the ball,” he said.
“If you look at the games that are being played in the Premier League, players fail to control the ball, they fail to string three passes together.
"So, like in football they say, you must try and catch them young. I think that's what we are trying to do here.
“We try to teach the players a lot of basic things, those basic things they should play in football.
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“I think the kids have done very well in this camp, but as a nation we need to do that more often throughout the country.
"I think it's not only football, it's throughout the world. If a player is able to control the ball, pass, and support the ball carrier, he is able to play anywhere throughout the world.
“So, I think we have to do that as a nation.”
The 72 - year - old gaffer is one of the most decorated coaches in the country having won several Cosafa Cup titles with the Warriors. He was the first coach to qualify the country for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Chidzambwa has won multiple local league titles as Dynamos coach and also took the Glamour Boys to the final of the Caf Champions League.
The FC Porto Academy Zimbabwe is affiliated to Portugal football giants FC Porto in a marriage, which will provide a direct pathway for budding footballers into Europe and other international markets.
Its training schedules are tailor-made to suit FC Porto's playing philosophy.
One of the coaches at the academy, Assah Gwatinyanya was happy with how the tournament went.
"I can say this is one of the best camps which we have had,” Gwatinyanya said.
“I was impressed with the youngsters, especially in terms of passion, skill and talent.
“And I would also thank the parents for supporting the youngsters to come and join us.
"It was a very useful event. We managed to pick one or two players who were playing outside our academy and then give them a platform to play and then our methodologies here at Porto.
“I think they adapted very well.”
Munyaradzi Chirinda, a guardian, was also full of praise for the camp especially the availability of training equipment and top notch facilities.
"First and foremost, I appreciate the idea and the concept,” Chirinda said.
“ One strength the impressive resources and facilities being used here. Everything I have seen here is so good.
"And, the other thing that I've appreciated, is this partnership with the Porto FC, it's very important.
“This is a network that inspires the kids knowing that if they work hard they may end up playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
After the camp the kids got certificates and medals, while the winning teams got floating trophies.
