adminNcube was speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Biya and Friends Under-16 soccer tournament held on Sunday at Amakhosi Grounds in Gwabalanda.
Biya who is back in the country from his base in the United States of America, described the career of a footballer as very short and therefore budding soccer players needed to invest in education.
“We should tell our youngsters the truth and urge them to take education seriously. The problem with our clubs is that they do not tell these youngsters the plain truth when they come to play for them,” said Ncube.
A fearless and no-nonsense defender during his days, Biya shot straight from the mouth. “I speak and stand for the truth because our clubs in Zimbabwe do not put all the cards on the table when they sign these youngsters. These clubs are only interested in using the player but when his playing days are over his life is doomed,” said Captain Biya.
Ncube said it was therefore important for youths to balance both sport and academic studies.
This, he said would help the youngsters to have something to fall back on when their careers are over or when they sustain career threatening injuries.
One of Bosso’s most successful captains, Ncube said not all players who dream of playing in Europe make it, as it is not an easy road.
“Let me be honest with you, trying to break into European leagues is not easy and that is why I am encouraging these youths to start thinking seriously about education.
“I am speaking from experience and we must not let our youngsters fall into booby traps because it is our duty to educate them,” said the former Highlanders, Zimbabwe Under-23, and Warriors captain.
Ncube’s sentiments were echoed by his friend, Sobala Ncube who also encouraged the youths to work hard and not lose focus on their academic studies.
“I want to encourage these youths to be innovative, hard-working and concentrate more on their school work.
“If they are not educated they may sign a bad or wrong football contract which may open them up to abuse,” said Ncube who is a city businessman.
Biya, a father of three is the director of coaching at MC United in Indiana Camby in the United States.
Ncube said MC United is a juniors team comprising youths from Under-11 to Under-18.
On the untimely death of Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu, Biya said he was touched, as Ndlovu was a humble and lovable character.
“I played with Adamski at Highlanders when he came back from Europe. Although I was his captain, I looked up to him for advice and guidance and he helped us a lot with all his years of experience,” said Biya.
Captain Biya regards the 1998-99 Highlanders championship winning team as the best ever.
The team had the likes of Sizabantu Khoza, Zenzo “Zemura” Moyo, Gift Lunga Jnr, Alexander Phiri, Melusi Sibanda, Bekithemba Ndlovu and Biya himself.
Madinda Ndlovu and Rahman Gumbo stand out as the best coaches he played under.
“Madinda and Rahman are my best coaches.
“Although they employed different coaching techniques I enjoyed playing under them,” said the former defender who grew up supporting Zimbabwe Saints.
Biya cited Benjani Mwaruwari as his favourite player because of his work ethic.
“I like Benjani because of his style of play. Benji is a team player and that is the reason why he fitted well in many teams abroad. Many coaches prefer a player of Benji’s calibre and that is also the kind of player I would like to have in my team,” said Ncube.
The Biya and Friends Tournament attracted four teams, Luveve, Gwabalanda, Cowdray Park and Magwegwe North.
The winners, Cowdray Park walked away with 1 400 rand and a football kit while the runners up Luveve pocketed 450 rand.
Losing semi-finalists Magwegwe and Gwabalanda received 300 rand and 200 rand respectively.
The best player, goalkeeper and top goalscorer of the tournament were also rewarded.
Biya said the inaugural tournament was a success and thanked the Gwabalanda community and his former team-mates at Bosso for supporting his project
Online Reporter