Online Reporter
Blessed Moyo
In a unique initiative aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, the Bulawayo City Football Development Trust recently visited Khami Prisons, where inmates participated in a series of soccer matches within the prison confines.
The trust’s outreach programme seeks to provide a platform for inmates to engage in constructive activities, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
By promoting sports development within the prison, the trust hopes to contribute to the rehabilitation process, empowering inmates with the skills and motivation necessary to reintegrate into society upon release, and ultimately reducing the relapsing into criminal behavior after being released from prison or completing a sentence.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Sports Hub Crew, Sikhumbuzo Ndebele, the board member of the Bulawayo City Football Development Trust said the league was a concept of building a culture that help the inmates to be ably integrated when they leave prison.
“The concept is to assist in the rehabilitation of the inmates and to give them the impetus to step out of prison and not come back hence we have named it the Step-out, Stay-out league,”
The tournament was designed to whet the appetite of inmates ahead of the league, slated to kick off in a few weeks’ time. The inmates have come together to form a collective of 12 teams, which will compete against each other in the league.
This innovative initiative aims to instill a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the beautiful game among the inmates, providing a welcome distraction from the rigors of prison life.
“We are happy that the guys have shown the other side that we did not know or imagined to exist,” he said.
In a unique display of encouragement, the winners of the Khami Prisons football tournament were awarded a goat, a prized possession in many Zimbabwean cultures.
But that’s not all, the participating teams were also sponsored with brand-new uniforms, footballs, and emotional support through specially designed mentorship programs.
“These programs will provide inmates with guidance and support in areas such as coaching, refereeing, and medical aid assistance, helping them develop valuable skills and interests,” he said.
This holistic approach to rehabilitation aims to empower inmates with the tools and confidence needed to reintegrate into society upon release.
“The event has been a resounding success, with the inmates themselves taking the reins through their own Football Association (FA) within the prison,” he said.
Ndebele revealed that he tournament was a result of a collaborative effort between the Prisons and the Football Development Trust (FDT) who have come together to provide a platform for inmates to engage in positive and uplifting activities.
The Officer Commanding Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya, generously rewarded the winners of the Khami Prisons football tournament with not one but two goats while the runners-up received one goat.
Speaking at the event, Ngwenya hailed the tournament as a precursor to the upcoming league and emphasized the importance of football in promoting physical and mental well-being among inmates.
He noted that the sport helps keep prisoners fit, healthy and occupied, making their days in confinement more manageable.
Ngwenya also stressed the need for discipline, urging inmates to maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere during the league.
Bongani Ndlovu