Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe president Gerald Sibanda has set sights on exporting some of the academy’s finest players to top DStv Premiership clubs.
Sibanda is the first to admit that not all of the academy players will break into the Spanish La Liga club, Real Betis.
As a result, they have come up with an open-door policy that allows players to join local and regional clubs if they fail to meet the Spanish grade.
And South Africa has emerged as their mainly preferred destination for the youngsters.
“We are very much open with recruitment relations,” Sibanda told FARPost.
“We all know that Zimbabwe has got great talent that has done very well in South African football.
WHAT REAL BETIS IS OFFERING
“What Real Betis is offering us is that finally, we have a very strong grassroot programme that is affiliated.
“And part of a strong La Liga club whose methodology is guiding our players at a higher level expected at Betis.”
Sibanda revealed that they are planning to enter exchange programmes with PSL clubs in 2023.
In November, the Real Betis Academy sent three players for trials at the University of Pretoria with hopes of opening gateways for their players into South Africa.
“Of course, not everyone will play at Real Betis. Not everyone will go to Spain directly, but we have relations.
“Recruitment is open to local clubs, regional and international clubs as well.
“As we speak, we had three boys who were on trial in November in Pretoria at AmaTuks. A goalkeeper and two infield players. They got some exposure, and now they know what is wanted.
“Hopefully, we will have as many players breaking into big teams in South Africa.
“Just like what others have done over the years,” Sibanda added.
In their first year, Real Betis Academy has attracted budding players from Brazil and Ghana.
The players from those countries have trained under the mentorship of coach Murape Murape.
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