By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
Stephen Chimombe, the passionate owner of Decade Football Academy – affectionately known as the “COVID-19 Boys” – is urging the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to elevate the perception and treatment of local football. Chimombe, a firm believer in nurturing talent from the ground up, argues that football should be recognized and invested in as a genuine profession, not merely as fleeting talent among the nation’s youth.
Speaking out on the crucial need for early-stage investment, Chimombe highlighted how the lack of support for young players is hindering the overall progress of Zimbabwean football at the national level. “We are doing ourselves a disservice,” he stated. “Football’s foundation lies at the grassroots level, and it’s imperative that we embrace it by channeling significant investments to cultivate a thriving football profession in our country.”
Chimombe believes that ZIFA has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that football is nurtured meticulously from its earliest stages.
“Our fundamental issue is the persistent view of football as simply a talent, rather than a viable profession,” he explained. “Talent without substantial investment is ultimately unproductive.” To further illustrate his point, Chimombe proposed a structured investment approach across different levels of the game.
“When bigger tournaments are played for USD 100 thousand, let those in Division play for something like USD 60 Thousand then for USD 50 Thousand for our youngsters at grassroots level. That way we inspire football from grassroots level through initiation of such investments.”
Remarkably, Chimombe founded the COVID Boys during the lockdown period as a proactive initiative to combat drug abuse within communities. Based in the Harare Region, the team is demonstrating strong performance in Division 2, currently holding fourth position on the league table. Notably, several players from the academy have already transitioned to the prestigious Premier Soccer League, a testament to the academy’s nurturing environment.
Adding to their unique approach, most players in the COVID Boys are also employed by the Decade Africa Group of Companies. This strategic move ensures the players’ financial stability and boosts their morale, fostering a more sustainable and dedicated team.
Beyond their on-field achievements, the COVID Boys have also gained attention for their striking jersey, which has drawn comparisons with the aesthetically pleasing kit of South African giants Mamelody Sundowns. Chimombe’s vision extends beyond just fielding a team; he is advocating for a fundamental shift in how Zimbabwe approaches and invests in its footballing future, starting from the very roots of the sport.
