Sports Reporter
Former Warriors and Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera has reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing young football talent through the launch of his new project, JT Trust Football Academy, which aims to develop technically skilled and disciplined future football stars.
Speaking during a media engagement ahead of the official launch of the academy at Mbizo Stadium on 25 October 2025, Tapera said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional football by equipping young players with the necessary skills, discipline, and life values.
“Football is in my blood; it gave me a career, and it’s time I give back. JT Trust is that legacy,” said Tapera, who has coached several top-flight teams including FC Platinum, Triangle United, and Manica Diamonds, and has also had stints with the Zimbabwe national team and the Under-20 side.
The veteran coach said the idea of starting an academy had been in the pipeline for five years, during which he mobilised resources and equipment necessary for effective football development.
“It has been my dream to start a soccer academy. I was only waiting for the perfect opportunity. I now have all the required equipment for football development, including over 250 soccer balls and cones. I want JT Academy to be fully registered and on FIFA Connect,” Tapera said.
He revealed that the academy currently has three teams – Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 – each comprising 17 players, and is set to complement efforts by Hardrock FC and Grain Tigers FC in promoting Division One football in Kwekwe.
“Our main challenge with football development is that we don’t give ourselves time, passion and adequate knowledge to train these youngsters properly. We need modern equipment and relevant coaching education to help young players adapt to new trends in football,” he said.
Tapera challenged local coaches to broaden their knowledge and skills in football coaching, saying the development of junior football depends on well-trained and well-equipped mentors.
“As coaches, we must continuously educate ourselves and keep up with modern football methods. Only then can we produce complete athletes who are disciplined, technically sound, and marketable internationally,” he emphasized.
The former Warriors assistant coach said he is taking a sabbatical from full-time coaching to focus entirely on the academy, with hopes of producing players who can emulate football greats such as Kennedy Nagoli and Donald Ngoma.
“I’m not looking at returning to full-time coaching anytime soon. In two years, we will have the next generation of stars from this group,” said Tapera.
With the launch of JT Academy, Tapera hopes to create a legacy that extends beyond the field—building not only skilled footballers but also responsible young citizens.
“We are not only training players for matches; we are preparing them for life,” he said.
The launch at Mbizo Stadium marks a new chapter in grassroots football development in Zimbabwe, as Tapera’s vision takes shape in the community where his own football journey began.
