Cosafa U-20 Player of the Tournament Gondwe trains with Spanish club

Here’s how it all happened:

Patrick Gondwe – Zambia’s Newest Football Star

In February 2020, one of Zambia’s brightest young football stars got the chance to train with his talented counterparts in Spain. This, thanks to the Spanish Football League, LaLiga’s commitment to sports development and their efforts to empower the youth.

The week-long trial, which was hosted by Spanish second-tier club CD Numancia, was a dream come true for Patrick Gondwe as he tested his skills against some of the world’s most talented young players.

A powerful partnership and commitment to sports development of local African youth

Patrick’s journey to the historic city of Numancia began more than six thousand kilometres away in his home country, Zambia.

In December 2019, Patrick outplayed his compatriots and teammates to win the Player of the Tournament prize at the Cosafa (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) Under-20 Championship.

The tournament forms part of the many initiatives that LaLiga and Cosafa has spearheaded in countries across Africa.

From providing schools in South Africa’s less privileged areas with soccer balls, providing coaching clinics, and facilitating youth festivals in Mauritius to lending a helping hand in tournaments like the Cosafa Under-20, the Spanish league is investing heavily in the future of the Beautiful Game in Africa.

LaLiga’s efforts would not have such a huge impact if it were not for their fruitful collaboration with Cosafa. When local knowledge and Pan-African experience meet international expertise and global knowledge, great things are possible.

Marcos Pelegrin, LaLiga South Africa’s managing director, places a strong emphasis on his organisation’s strong relationships with local football councils.

“Cosafa has created an amazing space in which all the Southern African countries can compete, improve and gain experience, so the national teams are in a better shape to challenge other countries. For LaLiga, being able to collaborate with them enables the creation of more unique programmes like this one, connecting local talent to LaLiga clubs. We look forward to implementing more exciting projects for local football players and the football community at large,” he said.

From local hero to international footballer

Patrick Gondwe knew the game was really on when his stellar performances at the Cosafa Under-20 Championship guaranteed him a place in CD Numancia’s week-long trial.

The Spanish team is famous for its advanced training methods and diverse talent, and Patrick’s trial could result in a CD Numancia B team contract if his football skills make the grade.

The competition is intense, but Patrick is determined to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity and not let it slip through his fingers.

A gathering place for the world’s best young footballers

CD Numancia’s challenging trials saw players from all over the world heading to Spain for an unforgettable training, and international friendship experience.

With its world-class training facilities, comfortable accommodation, and access to a variety of training and educational programmes, CD Numancia is unique in its commitment to training and international sports development.

The team operates on a three-tier basis, with the CD Numancia A, B and C teams working closely together to develop and promote young talent from around the world. As footballers move up the ranks from the C team to the famed A team, they benefit from the collective experience and training excellence that the Spanish club is known for.

The Numantinos A side, which is the jewel in CD Numancia’s crown, currently plays in LaLiga’s Second Division – LaLiga Smartbank. Their games can be watched for free, and at any time on LaLiga’s YouTube channel.

After a week of education, football action, and new friendships that will last a lifetime, the trials came to an end on 3 February 2020. Now the wait begins for every talented player who took part as the team decides who it will offer its sought-after professional contracts.

Waiting for the call to compete

After making his mark on the Spanish football world, Patrick is back at his home club – Nkana FC – eagerly awaiting CD Numancia’s decision.

If he is selected for the Spanish side, it could be a life-changing and career-making event for this talented young player. Having proven his potential on two continents, Patrick is keen to return to Spain for the next exciting phase of his budding career. In the player’s own words, “this achievement illustrates what hard work and dedication can accomplish”.

Exceptional young footballers like Patrick Gondwe deserve every opportunity to develop their skills and launch their international careers – and initiatives such as this one aim to not only give them a once in a lifetime opportunity but also act as a springboard to launching a successful football career.

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