By McGeorge Mbare
Three players from Beitbridge-based Skedza FC Academy have received a national call up for the Zimbabwe Under-15 boys’ team, which is preparing for the U15 FIFA World Cup and Festival scheduled for October 2026.
Junior Rusten, Tom Shoko and Tafadzwa Chanyuruka are expected to report to camp on Thursday, September 10 and check out on September 13.
Both the Zimbabwe Football Association and Skedza FC Academy confirmed the national call up of Rusten, Shoko and Chanyuruka.
“Ref: Release letter for the U15 boys’ preparation for the upcoming World Cup and Festival.“We are reaching out to your office for the availability of the players named below for the preparatory camp for the U15 boys, who are scheduled to play at the U15 World Cup and Festival in October 2026. the players are namely Junior Rusten, Tom Shoko and Tafadzwa Chanyuruka,” the ZIFA statement reads.
The call up of the three players reflects the determination of Beitbridge football academies to develop young talent and create a pathway for local players to reach the national level.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Skedza Academy owner Prince Mangere praised the work being done by football academies in Beitbridge.
“It means we’re doing well. It is a good thing for society. People must learn to support and help young boys, especially in our town, Beitbridge. We must motivate others to join academies so that in the future we can produce good players from our society,” Mangere said.
The three players are also former Vhembe Stars Academy players.
Vhembe Stars is one of the prominent academies, alongside Skedza Academy, that has been performing well at junior level in the Munhumutapa Cup.
The national call up marks another important milestone for youth football development in Beitbridge and reflects the growing contribution of local academies towards Zimbabwe’s football talent pipeline.