Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
LEGENDARY junior football coach, Ali “Baba” Dube is on Saturday receiving a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the local game.
Dube, a former Highlanders juniors coach is being recognised by the Zimbabwe Football Forum, with the accolade being sponsored by Herentals Group and Gytime Foods.
“We are delighted to announce the recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Category- MR ALI ‘BABA’ DUBE, the legendary KING OF JUNIORS,” read a statement from the ZFF.
According to ZFF chairman, Terrence Tinashe Malunga, the chairman’s football dedication award is a group of awards recognising individuals dedicated to the development of football through their life-long commitment to training, mentoring, counseling, and skills impartation on young or junior players (both boys and girls). Furthermore, their invaluable contribution in keeping young talented players from impoverished families and communities out of the streets and away from anti-social vices like gambling, prostitution, drug and substance abuse.
Malunga is a former footballer who came from an impoverished, needy and exposed background after having been orphaned at a very tender age (at nine years old) and who through the assistance and guidance of such dedicated individuals eked a living and escaped poverty through football, signifying the importance of the award.
The ZFF chairman expressed their gratitude to the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award bankrollers, Herentals Group of Colleges and Glytime Foods.
A number of footballers in Bulawayo passed through the hands of the 75-year old Dube. These include the Ndlovu brothers, Madinda, Adam (late) and Peter, Willard Khumalo (late), Benjamin Nkonjera (late), Mercedes Sibanda (late) and Zenzo Moyo. – Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter