Fokoza tourney continues next week

. . Fungai Muderere
THE second edition of the Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube juniors’ soccer tournament will be held on 22 September with four teams set to do battle at Entumbane’s Esikwakweni Ground.

Ncube, a former Bantu Rovers winger, aims at developing junior footballers in Bulawayo through the contest which last year saw Tshabalala-based Zebra Revolution emerge as winners.

“The 2018 Fortune Fokoza Ncube tournament will be played at Entumbane in a few days. I urge people to come and support the youngsters. The teams that will play against each other are cup holders Zebra Revolution, Highlanders, Ajax Hotspurs and Entumbane Academy,” said Ncube from his base in South Africa.

Fokoza’s professional career as a footballer ended prematurely after an eye ailment and he turned to junior development in football soon after his untimely retirement.

The founder and sponsor of the tourney, Ncube played for several clubs including Hwange FC, Bulawayo Chiefs, Black Mambas as well as Motor Action and he said he would continue to give an opportunity to youngsters to build their careers.

He said the motive behind the tournament was to help the community fight against drug abuse.

“Entumbane is known for drug abuse so I want to help our community fight drug abuse through football which is something that the youngsters actively engage in,” he said.

Fokoza revealed that he always had the passion for junior development which influenced him to go that route.
Last year’s winners got a floating trophy, medals, 10 soccer balls and a playing kit.

The best player and coach of the tourney were honoured, including the best goalkeeper and the top goal scorer.

In South Africa, Ncube is employed as one of the head coaches at Sporting CP Academy, an academy from Portugal which groomed Cristiano Ronaldo.

His career as a coach began in 2012 with Christians Saints Academy which is based in Harare and worked alongside Peter Ndlovu in the national development side for the Under-14 in the same year. He worked as an assistant and coached at Arenel Movers Division Two outfit and joined ZRP Beitbridge Division One side as the head coach.