Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
THE vision of former Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs captain, Willard Katsande, has yielded its first fruit after Sibusiso Ndlovu opened his account for Manica Diamonds.
Ndlovu came from the bench and scored a goal that forced a 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum at Baobab over the weekend.
The Gem Boys are set to host Highlanders today at Sakubva.
It was the 18-year-old’s second appearance of the season.
Ndlovu is a graduate of Kitoko Soccer School, which was established by Katsande in Johannesburg.
Manica Diamonds have two players from Katsande’s emerging project.
The other one is Tapiwa Muhwirindwa, who is also 18.
These two were identified by Manica Diamonds after Katsande took his Kitoko project on a pre-season tour in Zimbabwe earlier this season.
They played against CAPS United, FC Platinum and Manica Diamonds.
“It gives me joy and energy to try my best to explain to those who were left behind that it is possible,” said Katsande.
“In football you start somewhere and these boys have made a great choice. Everyone on this side was motivated when they heard Ndlovu scored his first goal in the PSL.
“It makes my job very easy and I hope he understands what it means to get more goals.”
Ndlovu credited Jairosi Tapera and his teammates for the opportunity.
“It is a dream come true to be playing in the top-flight and I’m happy to have scored a goal in my second game in the PSL,” said Ndlovu.
“It was only possible because of my teammates and coach Tapera for entrusting me when the team was down.
“I also want to thank coach Katsande for taking me this far and this is how we can pay him back for the work that he is putting in.”
