Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u200eFC Platinum head coach Joel Luphahla has praised The Next Generation U17 Tournament held at Mandava Stadium over the weekend, describing it as a valuable platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent.
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\u200eThe platinum miners\u2019 Under-17 side emerged champions after an impressive run, underlining the club\u2019s growing emphasis on youth development as a cornerstone of its long-term success.
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\u200eLuphahla said the tournament highlighted the importance of investing in junior football, particularly at Under-17 level, which he believes is crucial for building a sustainable future for the club.
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\u200e\u201cI was very happy with the talent on display, especially from teams in the Midlands such as Shesham and the Zvishavane select. These kinds of tournaments give us a clear picture of what is coming through,” said Luphahla.
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\u200eHe stressed that FC Platinum\u2019s development structures are designed to produce homegrown players capable of stepping up to the first team, adding that the junior side is not separate from the senior squad but an essential feeder.
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\u200e\u201cOur goal is to develop our own players and promote them to the first team. What we do at development level directly benefits the senior side,\u201d he said.
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\u200eLuphahla was particularly impressed by the character and resilience shown by the young players, noting that they played as many as five matches in a single day.
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\u200e\u201cThe boys were strong, confident and well coached. To play five games in one day and still show that level of quality says a lot about their mentality and preparation,\u201d he said.
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\u200eHe also observed that the players clearly enjoyed the competition, showing excitement and motivation throughout the tournament, especially with the knowledge that the head coach was watching from the stands.
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\u200e\u201cThe enjoyment was there, and that\u2019s important at this age. They knew they were being watched, and they responded positively,\u201d Luphahla added.
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\u200eThe successful hosting of the tournament at Mandava Stadium further reinforced FC Platinum\u2019s commitment to grassroots football, with the club hopeful that more youth competitions will continue to unearth talent capable of shaping Zimbabwean football in the years to come.
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\u200eWith FC Platinum\u2019s Under-17 side lifting the trophy, the tournament not only showcased emerging talent but also reaffirmed the club\u2019s commitment to youth development as a pathway to senior football.
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\u200eLuphahla believes continued investment in such platforms will strengthen FC Platinum\u2019s future while contributing positively to the growth of the game in the Midlands and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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