HIGHLANDERS’ legend Thulani ‘Biya’ Ncube has indicated that his Bulawayo-based junior development project Biya 4 Academy might close shop due to economic difficulties.
The United States-based former Warriors defender’s academy, established in 2014 and is based in Luveve suburb, features in the Zifa Bulawayo Province Junior League.
Biya posted on his social media Facebook handle, painting a grim picture over the continued existence of the project.
“Will miss this; some decisions are hard to take and very uncomfortable too. But we take them. We had a good run the past 10 years.
“Too bad our economy is bad, everything is expensive. Financially it’s becoming too expensive running it with no sponsors,” Ncube said.
However, Ncube later said the academy is not up for grabs.
“I just wanted to clarify a few things about my earlier message. First of all, thank you for all your support the past 10 years. I appreciate everyone who has supported the academy financially, emotionally and otherwise. To be clear, the academy is not being sold! The Academy Partnership cannot financially support the academy without any sponsorship and still provide the same quality of service to our community, players, staff and families! Again, I appreciate all of you and your continued support,” Ncube said.
Biya 4 Academy were the winners of the Under-17 championship last year with 70 points after winning 22 of their 30 matches with four draws and four defeats shrugging off challenge from Highlanders (67 points) and Chicken Inn (64), who came second and third, respectively.
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In the Under-15s, Biya 4 Academy (62 points) were second to champions Zebra Revolution (66 points) with Highlanders on the third spot with 60 points.
Zebra Revolution is the brainchild of another Highlanders’ son Mkhokheli Dube.
In the Under-13 category, Biya 4 Academy were the champions with 73 points, with Young Flying Stars (68 points), owned by another former Highlanders’ player Collen Nyambiya.
Bulawayo City was on position three with 57 points.
