adminSobala, who was part of Biya’s friends at Amakhosi Ground in Gwabalanda on Sunday, promised to give the winners $500 during the next edition of the tournament. For individual awards he said each player will pocket $100 each.
“This is a timely boost and we want to encourage and motivate our youngsters. This is also my way of thanking the community I grew up in. My dream is for Gwabalanda to produce the next best Zimbabwean footballer,” said Sobala.
The businessman said he wanted to play a part in nurturing talent in Gwabalanda by offering the youths a platform to start from.
“We have many talented youths in Gwabalanda and it is our responsibility to make sure that this talent does not go to waste.
“These youngsters look up to us and so we should lead by example as their role models,” said Ncube.
Meanwhile, the Gwabalanda community thanked one of their illustrious sons Thulani “Biya” Ncube for giving back to the community through his tournament.
The tournament which attracted a sizeable crowd, had speaker after speaker speaking highly of the former Highlanders and Warriors defender.
“We want to thank Thulani for a great job and wish him success in future. Thulani grew up under my eyes and was a disciplined boy,” said a man who identified himself as Sibanda.
Kainot Luphahla, a former Highlanders player, also spoke highly of Biya whom he described as a son and a shining example for the Gwabalanda community.
The chairperson of the Bulawayo Junior Football Provincial League, Mkhululi Mthunzi, was the guest of honour and thanked all the people who made an effort to attend the tournament in support of Biya’s football project.
“I would like to thank all the people who are here who came to support a noble cause. Thulani should be applauded for giving back to the community and supporting the development of junior football not only in Gwabalanda but Bulawayo as a whole.
“If more former players like him come up with similar football projects, our future will be bright,” said Mthunzi.
Also in attendance were Biya’s former teammates at Highlanders — Alexander Phiri, Thabani Masawi, Bekhithemba Ndlovu, Gift Lunga Junior, Dazzy Kapenya and Simon Sibanda.
His former juniors coach, the legendary Ali Baba Dube, also graced the occasion and praised his former product for giving the youths a chance to showcase their skills.
Humbled by the praises Biya said his efforts were not much but was just trying his best to do the little that he could.
“What I have done is not much but however I am trying my best and I hope more people will come on board as sponsors of the tournament,” said Biya.
Online Reporter