MBARE Junior League

THE Mbare Junior League 2025 season kicked off in Harare, with budding players and coaches optimistic of a wholesome experience.

As the junior league makes a return, footballers have expressed their desire to impress and charm local football clubs.

“As we play in the ground, we hope that we will get some support to enable us to go far,” Red Pirates player, Aaron Magwaro said.

While many come from underprivileged backgrounds, the budding talent is eyeing recognition from Premier Soccer League clubs as well as the Zimbabwe Football Association to one day realise their dreams.

“We also want scouts to come and see us play. This will open doors for us to join big teams in the country and abroad. We ask them to please come and see the talent we have and help us to grow. Personally, I hope to one day play in Europe, but starting by playing for Dynamos here in Zimbabwe,” Magwaro said.

“I want to play for Manchester United in England. I am happy that football does not leave you with time to do other bad activities,” another player said.

The coaches are working flat out to improve the playing conditions to charm the big clubs, however funding remains one key constraint.

“This year we want to uplift the young players to another level. Last year we had these same players and we saw some mistakes they were making and we will correct them and grow their talent,” Kuyamurana FC Coach, Olive Sande said.

“These guys have been waiting for this and we have just kicked off so we just hope that what we did last year, we can verify the mistakes,” Sunningdale Pirates Coach, Onismo Muchada said.

“We are appealing to potential sponsors to come and finance us to have proper football kits and training equipment,” Simba Higher Grade Football Academy Coach, Kurai Mukaro

The Mbare Junior League 2025 season opener was marked by a 12 team tournament at the Stodart Grounds in Mbare, with Sunningdale Pirates emerging the victors in the 12 team under 15, 5 aside tourney.

Mbare Junior League is a platform created to develop grassroots talent in Mbare from Under 10 up to Under 17 level