MUTUKWA Football Academy, a newly established project based in Chiweshe, is making waves in its debut season in the Mashonaland Central Division 2B League.
The team currently sits in a commendable fourth place in the 16-team competition, having accumulated 18 points from 10 matches.
This impressive start sees them just five points behind log leaders Ultimate FC.
Mutukwa Academy FC has recorded five wins, three draws, and two losses so far.
They are closely trailing Forester United, who are in second with 22 points, and Rosa Pirates, who are third with 18 points but boast a superior goal difference.
Mazowe United FC also shares the 18-point mark.
Coach Clever Nyikadzino expressed satisfaction with the team's performance at this stage.
"Considering that it's our maiden season in the league, I am pleased with this performance from the boys. We're within reach of the leaders, which shows our level of competitiveness as a team, meaning we're not just adding numbers," he said.
- Mutukwa Academy exceedexpectations in debut season
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"The points gap between the teams shows how tough the competition is in the league, because as of now, no team has been able to dominate and run away from the pack. Yes, it's Division 2, but how these teams are preparing and competing is Division 1 level, meaning most teams can go now and play in Division 1 and could still achieve or produce positive results," he added.
Nyikadzino reiterated the team's ambition for promotion.
"Just like every team, we're playing for the honours (promotion into D1) and from the way we have been riding in this terrain so far, I'm confident enough of reaching the promised land. In our weekend game, we are looking for a strong performance again from the lads.
"Since we're in the race, every game we're playing now is like a World Cup final for us if we're to achieve our goal. No home match or away, that's our approach," he said.
Mutukwa Academy travel to Concession to face Yoft Academy this Sunday.
Leading the charge on the field has been Trymore Chikorwa, who has netted an impressive seven goals from the nine matches he has played. Midfielder Tinashe Nyariri and the versatile Trust Gemu have also been consistently top performers for the academy.
Club president Colonel Edward Mutukwa, a veteran football administrator, lauded the professional foundation laid by the club.
"We have laid the foundation by being professional, and the boys have positively responded to our call for being consistent. Thus, we will achieve our set target of getting into Division 1 through hard work, focus and sticking to professional ethics," he said.
Beyond the pitch, Mutukwa Academy is also committed to the holistic development of its young players.
Colonel Mutukwa is currently paying school fees for young boys from the club to attend Kanyemba Secondary, which also serves as their home ground.
This initiative underscores the project's dedication to taking football development to rural areas.
Mutukwa Academy Football Club is keenly focused on securing promotion into the Northern Region Soccer League next year, a goal that appears well within their reach, given their outstanding start to the season.
