adminThe two legends were speaking during the inaugural Tsholotsho District Football Association (Tshodifa) Stars Awards held at the Roman Catholic Hall at Tsholotsho business centre on Saturday evening.
“Discipline is the hallmark of everything even in football and if you do not exercise that, you might not realise your full potential,” said Ndlovu.
He said his wish was to see a Tsholotsho boy scaling the dizzy heights of football and going to far places like France and Britain thereby raising the national flag high.
“As players you should have vision, personally, I am tired of always hearing people saying who will play like Peter Ndlovu because it means Zimbabwe is yet to have one. I want to see a Tsholotsho boy playing in France, Britain among the big football playing nations in the world,” said the man who mesmerized the English world of football during his illustrious and glamorous 13-year career.
Speaking in his capacity as the guest of honour, Khumalo said discipline was not only important in football but in life as well and encouraged the youngsters to take issues of behaviour very seriously both on and off the field of play.
“You should also stay clear of drugs, as I stand infront of you this evening I have a clear conscience as I am drug free. I never used any performance enhancing drugs during my career and even up to now, I don’t use drugs,” said Khumalo.
He praised the organisers of the awards for rewarding those who excelled during the 2012 season.
“This is very encouraging and if my memory is right, Tsholotsho is probably the first district to organise an event of this kind. As former players, we have a lot to offer to the people of Tsholotsho and what I can only say is that you must make use of us,” said Khumalo.
The ceremony was also graced by former Highlanders players who included among them other living legends Douglas “British” Mloyi, Rahman Gumbo, newly appointed Highlanders interim treasurer, Jerry Sibanda, Tito Paketh, Adam Ndlovu, Amin Soma-Phiri, Johannes Tshuma, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Zenzo Moyo, Thabani Masawi, Simon “Doink” Sibanda and Alexander Phiri.
Tsholotsho senator, Believe Gaule was also one of the invited dignitaries.
The former players had a friendly match against Tsholotsho veterans whom they pummelled 11-0.
Meanwhile, Thandazani Dube of Silo was crowned the Tshodifa Player of the Year for 2012 while Evans Sibanda of Dinyane Pirates was voted the Players’ Player of the Year.
Tapiwa Marima of Green Warriors was the safest pair of hands in the 10-team league while 34 goals of Moment Dube of Tsholotsho Pirates saw him scooping the Golden Boot award.
Melusi Ndebele was controversially adjudged as the Coach of the Year. Ndebele is also the Tshodifa chairman and Tsholotsho Pirates coach.
The Referee of the Year award went to Alison Sibanda.
Tshodifa’s 11s Soccer Stars of the Year Finalists are:
Thandazani Dube (Silo), Evans Sibanda (Dinyane Pirates), Tapiwa Marima (Green Warriors), Moment Dube, Ziggy Sibanda (Tsholotsho Pirates), Qhubekani Ndlovu ( Black Swallows) Kolema Khupe (FC Medicus), Nkosi Ndebele ( Silo), Lovemore Sibanda (Amakhosi), Jones Ncube (Ihatshi Elimhlophe), Lungisani Dlamini (FC Medicus).
Online Reporter