Retired Ajax CT striker spearheading junior development in Zim
A retired Ajax Cape Town striker has stepped into the footsteps of ex-Mamelodi Sundowns stars Cuthbert Malajila and Alois Bunjira, who are nurturing budding footballers in Zimbabwe.
A number of former PSL stars have taken the route of developing budding footballers in Zimbabwe.
The list is headlined by former Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Alois Bunjura, who owns the Albun Academy in Harare.
Another ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star, Cuthbert Malajila, co-owns CUMA Academy, which is based in the city of Kadoma.
Last season, Malajila’s CUMA Academy was competing in the Northern Region Division One but they were relegated.
WHAT THE AJAX CAPE TOWN STRIKER SAID
And the retired Ajax Cape Town striker, Simba Nhivi is the latest to open up about his passion for junior development.
Nhivi, who also had stints at SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, is the owner of the newly founded SN Academy.
“What prompted me to start this project is the passion and experience that I had as a player,” Nhivi told Zim Soccernet.
“I benefitted a lot, I grew in many respects, so it was necessary for me to share the skill and be impactful. I was coaching in schools. We did well at those levels.
“After seeing my work, a number of people approached me and encouraged me to start my own academy.
“I listened to their calls and started the academy. At first, it wasn’t easy because of sponsorship issues.
“As you know, the country’s [Zimbabwe] economy is not as good at the moment. There are no sponsors.
“But right now, we are pushing and moving with a decent speed, teaching the young ones what to do. We also teach them what not to do as a footballer. I’m trying my best because, at the moment, I’m still alone.”
Nhivi did not have much success in the DStv Premiership. He mainly made a mark in Zimbabwe’s elite league, where he won two league titles with Dynamos in 2012 and 2013.
Nhive also played for Shooting Stars, Caps United, Ngezi Platinum and Tanzania’s Singida United. The 32-year-old was forced into retirement after suffering a serious knee injury.
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