Ball juggler meets President

other cities and towns. Just last week, Chipadze Stadium in Bindura came to a standstill when he took to the ground with his amazing ball skills.
Whistles, ululation and wows characterised his 10-minute-long display. Oozing with confidence because of the grand spectacle, Peter gave a sublime performance leaving thousands of people wondering who the boy was.
Those following proceedings from their television sets were equally shocked with his sublime skills. Zanu-PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo could not help but marvel at the young man’s versatility on the ball.
Like President Mugabe, Khaya Moyo gave him some dollars for his amazing tactics! By the time he finished, he had won admiration from His Excellency who also gave him a handshake and US$200.
“It was the greatest moment of my life. I never imagined myself meeting the President let alone getting a handshake. I am a happy man,” said the soft-spoken Palolo.
As if that was not enough, the following day, Palolo took his act to Rufaro Stadium in Harare where he delivered yet another masterpiece in front of thousands of soccer fans.
He took to the stage during Suluman Chimbetu’s performance and wowed football fans with his deft ball juggling acts as if he was dancing to “Sean Timba”. He then removed his shoes, T-shirt and pair of shorts while he juggled the ball around sending the crowd in disbelief. Some argued that even the legendary Lionel Messi can learn a thing or two from Palolo.
The young man later revealed in an interview that he had always wanted to be a footballer, something he would have done with ease, but injuries to both legs ruined his great future.
“I dislocated my ankles which ruined my football career. But I just couldn’t leave the sport and went for free-styling.
“When I saw Ronaldinho and Messi showcasing their sublime skills, I told myself I could do it.
“I am now dedicated to the sport, have made it my career and I want to go far with it,” he added.
The young man is ambitious and has already set his sights on bigger things.
“I want to travel abroad and compete against other people doing the same trade as mine. It’s unfortunate no such competitions exist in the country,” he said.
As a way of market his brand, he has also featured at various road shows and competitions. “I have not earned much from my skills but I am sticking to it. I usually perform unofficially during football matches where people give me cash out of their benevolence,” he said.
Born on June 22 1987, Palolo spent his childhood playing ball in the streets of Makokoba in Bulawayo.
“I want to compete with the world’s greatest jugglers. I wish I could get some sponsors. There are Olympic competitions and a World Cup for jugglers, and these are forums I will want to attend, in the event that I get the necessary financial support,” he said.
Palolo’s talents got him noticed by a football fan, Ancon Mungazi, who decided to assist him by giving him a job and supporting him in his activities. Palolo had already met some of the finest ball jugglers in the world. Last August, he rubbed shoulders with Nathan Israel from Belgium, Matchume Zango from Mozambique and Thomas Guérineau from France. The three came into the country for a show, which was titled “Argile”, following an invitation from Alliance Française de Bulawayo.