Developing a framework for optimal talent identification in junior football teams aged 10–19 years in Harare urban

Author

Machihani, Shadreck

Title

Developing a framework for optimal talent identification in junior football teams aged 10–19 years in Harare urban

Abstract

Talent identification in junior football is essential for developing future elite players, but in many urban African contexts, the process is still uneven and undeveloped. The goal of this study was to create a thorough framework for identifying the best talent among Harare Urban players between the ages of 10 and 19. Through surveys and 15 in-depth interviews with coaches, the study used a mixed-methods approach to involve 250 participants to analyse present practices, assess their efficacy, pinpoint problems, and suggest a better model. The results showed that socioeconomic hurdles, such as players' restricted access to venues, a lack of standardised processes, inadequate equipment, and poor communication, all hindered the discovery of talent in Harare. The analysis of qualitative data with NVivo identified five main ideas for creating a framework: having standard processes and a clear selection method (5 references), using small-sided games to effectively evaluate skills (4 references), assessing various abilities beyond just physical skills (3 references), involving all relevant parties in the process (3 references), and ensuring access and inclusion for everyone. Coaches overwhelmingly endorsed the use of small-sided games (such as 5-a-side formats) as useful, reasonably priced instruments for assessing technical and tactical skills in regional settings. Participants also underlined the significance of fair, open procedures and the necessity of cooperation between coaches, educators, and parents. The study offers a strategic roadmap for stakeholders looking to improve junior football development in Harare Urban and beyond by proposing a locally applicable framework based on structure, inclusion, and multidimensional assessment.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Talent Identification

Long Term Athlete Development

Multidimensional

Framework

Supervisor

Ms. Rosebud Munhamo