adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
LEGENDARY juniors coach Ali “Baba” Dube returns to the field of play this weekend when he conducts trials for the recently formed Bulawayo Football Foundation, co-owned with former Highlanders coach Mohamed Fathi.Dube has been inactive since 2012 when he left Highlanders after rejoining them from Railstars.
The trials, targeting talented boys aged between nine and 17 years will be held at Barbourfields outside grounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Fathi, another Egyptian Mohamed Ahmed and Xolisani Moyo are also expected to be part of the panel at the trials.
“I have already identified a few boys from Makokoba and Mzilikazi suburbs. I remain confident though that more will come over during the trials,” said Dube.
He said former Highlanders coach Bobby Clark, who was recently in the country, donated 15 football balls before his return to the United States of America.
Dube said he believes talent is in abundance and all that is needed was how to harness and nurture it.
“We hope that in three years time our products will be visible on the market, both locally and abroad. We are going to properly groom these youngsters so that they become the pride of not only Bulawayo but Zimbabwe as a whole,” said Dube.
He said once the project is in full swing, they will start engaging in friendly matches with surrounding schools and then probably register to play in the junior league next year.
Ali Baba is credited with producing such great players like Peter Nsukuzonke Ndlovu, his brothers Madinda and the late Adam, Willard Kumalo, Nhamo Shambira, the late Benjamin “Makanakky” Nkonjera, Mercedes “Rambo” Sibanda, Ronnie Jowa and Nkululeko Dlodlo.
Online Reporter