Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
LEGENDS Sports Development Academy received a donation of 125 football jerseys, 16 balls and soccer boots from Australia-based Ben Tshuma.
The academy is run by football legends Lawrence Phiri, Douglas Mloyi and Gibson Homela, and seeks to nurture the next generation of football stars.
Tshuma said he was touched when he saw children eager to make a name for themselves in football training at the academy without proper equipment in 2019.
“My friend Zenzo Nleya, whose son trained at the Legends Academy, introduced me to Gibson Homela when we were picking up the boy in August 2019. I noticed some of the boys did not have proper training gear and I thought I could source some for the kids,” said Tshuma.
He said he was also charmed by the vision Legends Sports Development Academy has for upcoming footballers.
“Homela explained to me their vision and aspirations and where they wanted to go with the kids and their academy.
Homela put forward to me the challenges they face in achieving their goals and objectives. I was satisfied with the vision and professionalism and the way they were hoping to go. I thought they were giving back to the community as yesteryear stars and living legends.
“I am humbled that they gave me the opportunity to be part of this great initiative. I hope to continue contributing in any way I can. I partnered with friends and soccer clubs and managed to source what we have today. I still have lots more with me and working on shipping them over,” said Tshuma.
Academy chairman Homela said: “We are very grateful. This is exactly what the doctor prescribed. This donation will serve as a mental boost for our youngsters who have been out of action for over two years. We hope to have more people coming forward to help us make tomorrow’s big stars.”
Legends Sports Development Academy incorporates various sporting areas, including consultancy, sports tourism and a sportswear manufacturing and distribution section.
Under sports consultancy, the academy oversees training of coaches, and they recently held a session that involved 80 teachers from Bulawayo schools in partnership with the National Association of Primary Schools Heads (Naph).
Online Reporter