At least nine Jimmy Zakazaka’s Football Academy have been recruited by clubs such as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Reserves, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Youth and Ekhaya United FC.
The players include, Chimwemwe Masha and Leman Kasiya who have joined Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Reserve, Patrick Dominic, Louis Peter, Boniface Mwanyali, Chiyembekezo Driano and Vitumbiko Mposa are playing for Ekhaya United FC while Trevor Chindunduli and Chisomo Kabingu are making waves on the field with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Youth.
Speaking to ProjectM, co-founder of the academy Jimmy Zakazaka said he is aiming at shaping the future of these young athletes and help them develop essential skills both on and off the field.
Zakazaka said that despite producing most football stars his academy, established in 2001 is facing quite a number of challenges and one of them being lack of corporate sponsorship to develop talent.
He said: “We do not even have a vehicle to transport our players to and from the training field, football equipment such as uniforms and soccer boots are also a big challenge. We are appealing to companies and individuals to come forward and assist the academy in terms of finances and equipment so that we produce best footballers for the country.”
In his remarks, one of the rising talents of JZ academy Patrick Dominic, who plays for Ekhaya United FC, thanked his former coach Jimmy Zakazaka for his generous support which has helped him become an extraordinary soccer star.
“A special shout-out to JZ Academy for its efforts in the comprehensive development of young football talent. At Ekhaya United FC, life is so good because they give us training bonuses and a K50,000 voucher and through this I am able to support my family,’’ said Dominic.
The Malawi College of Health Sciences student encouraged his fellow youth in the country to focus on what they want to achieve in life and stay away from immoral behaviours saying this can be away to challenge themselves and grow as a person by choosing to live a life that is guided by their values.
Having been a professional footballer himself between 2005 and 2014 Zakazaka played in the DSTV Premier league of South Africa for Free State Stars, Bay United, African Warriors, Thanda Royal Zulu, and Cape town FC and finished playing for Botswana Defense force in 2015.
Back home, Zakazaka who has got CAF C coaching licence played for Admarc Tigers, FCB Nyasa Bullets, Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
For any assistance you may call Jimmy Zakazaka on: 0998792158