BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe football legend Mkhokheli Dube says he is impressed with the quality of football displayed by dozens of youths who turned up in Bulawayo this week to showcase their talents during a routine selection exercise for prospective beneficiaries of United of States Universities academic and football scholarships.

Over a hundred budding stars thronged the event at White City Stadium B Arena with some coming from as far as Harare, Hwange and Chinhoyi.

Dube praised coaches and parents for making sure that kids got an opportunity for education in the first world while also pursuing their football dreams.

“Obviously we are delighted at the turn out. We have kids from all over the country. It’s good to see parents driving from afar and also locals supporting the event; it is the future of their children,” said the former Highlanders great.

Dube said the event attracted over a hundred boys under the age of 18.

He said he was impressed with the displays.

“There was good talent on display. At the moment, we are looking at all positions. We have a clue of the expectations of universities in the US.

“The boys did their best and we were all impressed,” said Dube, who was assisted by a number of development enthusiasts and Bulawayo Chiefs utility star Kelvin Madzongwe.

Dube and Madzongwe are former scholarship recipients who studied and advanced their careers in the US.

The trials are set to be completed this coming week.

“I have been inundated with calls from parents and teachers who have said tomorrow (Friday), they will send their children. Despite starting today, we will accommodate them and give them a chance to exhibit their talents,” he said..

Dube, who played for Highlanders in the earlier stages of his career and later turned out for FC Platinum, winning league titles with both outfits, said they are looking at talented players below the age of 18 with five ‘O’ Levels who are very good in the game.

The Bulawayo based legend had a successful stint with New Revolution in the US Major League.

Several Zimbabweans have received the coverted US opportunities; among them Methembe Ndlovu, Wayne Albertyn, Patrick Daka, Mubariki Chisoni, Joseph Ngwenya, Joseph Kabwe, Sma Magagula, Thabani Moyo, Tawanda Kaseke, Tapiwa Kaseke, Takwana Kaseke, Tawanda Chitapi and Eddie Mukahanana.

Methembe, Madzongwe, Mukahanana and Dube have invested in the game back home.-