Some of the New Life Junior Academy players pose with founder Joshua Makoni
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Founded in April 2024, New Life Junior Academy is steadily making a name for itself as a hub for youth development through football in Zengeza 3 Extension, Chitungwiza.
Established by Joshua Makoni, the academy has grown significantly within a short space of time and now boasts of more than 150 young players who are being nurtured both on and off the field.
Based at Rehoboth Mabamba Ground, the academy is using football as a tool to empower young people, instill discipline and keep them away from social ills such as drug and substance abuse.
New Life Junior Academy recently joined the Harare Elite Junior Development League (HEJDL), a move expected to provide young players with greater exposure and competitive opportunities.
Some of the New Life Junior Academy players
Academy representative Talent Zhira, popularly known as Billy ZW, said the institution’s vision goes beyond producing talented footballers.
“We joined Harare Elite Junior Development League (HEJDL) this year. Our mission is to empower and develop young people in our community through football, discipline and academic support,” said Zhira.
He said the academy is committed to ensuring that children make productive use of their time outside the classroom.
“We are encouraging kids to refrain from drug and substance use so that they use their time away from school wisely,” he said.
Zhira added that talent identification and development remain at the core of the academy’s objectives.
“Also we are identifying talents as the ultimate goal is also to compete at the international level,” he said.
The academy’s efforts have also won praise from parents, who say the institution is playing a critical role in shaping the future of young people.
One parent described the academy as a model for holistic youth development.
“New Life Junior is doing what some schools fail to do, which is shaping not just athletes but future leaders,” said the parent.
With its growing membership, commitment to discipline and focus on academic support, New Life Junior Academy is positioning itself as a beacon of hope for young people in Chitungwiza, while laying the foundation for future football stars who could one day represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.
