LaLiga Santander side Villarreal CF are promoting youth football development by giving COSAFA U20 Player of the Tournament a career changing trip to one of the world’s great footballing nations, Spain.
Prince Mumba whose performances saw him crowned as the Player of the Tournament at the zonal preliminary competition that was wrapped up today at Nelson Mandela Bay is set for a life changing experience with the world’s best league, LaLiga. The experience hosted by Villarreal CF will give him the opportunity to train with the club’s respected academy team.
The Zambian future star’s stellar performances made him standout as a talent to lookout for in the near future. A meet-and-greet with the first team, a tour of the club’s world-class training facilities and their legendary Estadio de la Cerámica home, as well as, COVID-19 dependent, take in a Villarreal CF fixture in LaLiga are some of the exciting activities that await the deserving winner.
That is just a sample of what awaits the 19-year-old Kabwe Warriors midfielder, who will be chosen by the COSAFA Technical Study Group at the tournament, in what is a wonderful opportunity to see the level required to be a professional in Europe’s top leagues.
Marcos Pelegrin Southern Africa Managing Director said, “being able to positively change a young players life by affording him such a special trip is why LaLiga is in the African continent. We are here to help develop African players where we can and make sure that we expose them to the level that is required by a professional in Europe’s top leagues.”
The Yellow Submarine currently sit in fourth place in LaLiga and the team has always been a hub for African players among them is Samuel Chukwueze who arguably is Africa’s top talent in the Spanish league.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Prince to our facilities here in Villarreal CF and we are sure that his week training with an academy team will help him progress as a player. We hope he makes the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are pleased to be involved in such an exciting project.” Stated Villarreal CF’s Director of International Business – Juan Anton de Salas.
Mumba is the fifth African player destined for a Spanish experience following in the footsteps of young stars Zambians Joseph Banda and Tisilile Lungu, and South Africans Mduduzi Shabalala and Jessica Wade who won secured their places at the COSAFA Men’s and Women’s Under-17 Championships that were also held in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We are thrilled to be able to give so many rising stars the opportunity to experience one of the world’s best footballing leagues. We have no doubt that this will be a steppingstone for all the players and they will use it to develop their careers further. We would like to thank Villarreal CF for extending their facilities to help Mumba in his football development which we are sure will be one of the highlights in his football career,” Concluded COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes.
