Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Highlanders and Zimbabwe striker Zenzo Moyo says talent knows no boundaries.
He said this at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Inmates Soccer Tournament, which was held at Khami Prison last Saturday.
Best Movers won the tournament with TP Reeds finishing second in an all Khami Remand top two finish.
Khami Warriors of Khami Maximum and Hungry Lions of Khami Remand finished third and fourth respectively.
Individual brilliance was also recognised at the tournament with Tanyaradzwa Mangani of Khami Remand being named Player of the Event while fellow Khami Remand inmate Fortune Ngwenya was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
“The establishment of the Inmates Soccer Tournament reflects a shared belief that sport must embrace everyone. As a soccer legend, I have come to appreciate that talent can be found anywhere, including behind prison walls. We therefore have a responsibility to identify, nurture and develop that talent while using sport to promote discipline, teamwork, confidence and positive values.”
Moyo was at the correctional facility with Sikhumbuzo Moyo, whom he works with at the Zenzo Moyo Soccer Foundation (ZMSF) and took time to recognise the donation towards the tournament made by Zimbabwe legend Benjani Mwaruwari.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate our soccer icon, Benjani Mwaruwari for his generous sponsorship of US$1000 towards this tournament. This contribution will go a long way in motivating players,” he said. The event is expected to be an annual event with impact, as Moyo’s foundation has a memorandum of understanding with the organisation, with Khami being the pilot project centre where soccer is being used as a tool for rehabilitation of inmates.
Inmates play among themselves with a view that team sport and teamwork can benefit them in and outside prison with the talented staying active. Others, it is hoped, may leave the facilities as qualified coaches or referees, skills they may use upon release.
The weekend event was attended by ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province acting Officer Commanding Assistant Commissioner Priscilla Mthembo who expressed her appreciation to the ZMSF for its unwavering support towards the Bulawayo Inmates Football Association (BIFA).
“I wish to sincerely thank the Zenzo Moyo Soccer Foundation for walking the journey with us through sponsoring this tournament. The foundation has supported this league with US$1000, medals and a trophy. We are truly grateful for this generous gesture. To the players, you played for the trophy but beyond the trophy, you played for hope, rehabilitation and a second chance,” she said.
BIFA boss, Shepherd Sibanda, spoke highly of the foundation’s contribution to their rehabilitation process by giving inmates an opportunity to participate in constructive activities, develop their talents and build positive relationships.
“Through sports, we have the opportunity to exercise while at the same time relieving stress. Soccer plays a pivotal role in combating depression and drugs, which are prevalent in society. We thank ZPCS and ZMSF for this initiative,” he said.
The tournament demonstrated the growing importance of sport within the correctional institutions where football continues to provide inmates with an avenue for recreation, personal development and rehabilitation.
