FORMER Darryn Tornadoes striker Frank Nematombo who now plies his trade in Norway hosted a talent identification tournament over the weekend in his home area of Taisekwa, Harare South, as a way of giving back to the community.
Teams from the surrounding communities from the Under 10 age group, all the way up to Under 17 took part in the inaugural tournament.
All the teams were fully kitted with playing kit and football boots sourced by Nematombo from his Norway base.
The famed Darryn T Football Club gave the 39-year-old, Nematombo a chance when he was scouted from the dusty streets of Chitungwiza.
It was, however, his turn to give other youngsters a chance.
Darryn T produced players like Alois Bunjira, Stewart Murisa, Lloyd Chitembwe, Edelbert Dinha, Shingirai Kawondera, Musareka Jenitala and Gift Muzadzi, among others.
"The aim of the tournament was to give back to the community I grew up in, scouting and uplifting young players who would have never been recognised if it wasn't for this tournament," Nematombo told The Sports Hub.
Nematombo who plays for Måløy Football Club in Norway is driven by the passion that he sees in children who play football with very little resources.
"When I sourced the kits I was motivated the last time I was home and saw kids who have passion for playing soccer but don't have access to better playing facilities, equipment, no boots and proper equipment," he added.
The event saw two players being identified from the tournament and will be placed in a high performance environment with Nematombo taking care of their educational needs whilst playing football.
The tournament was also graced by another Darryn T graduate and former Zimbabwe international Kawondera.
"We grew up together with Shingi in Chitungwiza, played football together, he was my inspiration," Nematombo added.
"I can say he is like a big brother who showed me the ropes around the footballing community, especially back in the day when we played bare footed in the streets of Chitungwiza. I wanted him to have a word or two with players and learn from his football experience."
The tournament will be hosted every year in October and next year there will be a bigger line-up, which will include scouts from Norway.
