adminThe donation was received by Bulawayo Province Zimbabwe Junior Soccer League chairman Mkhululi Mthunzi.
The equipment included 45 training balls, 15 match balls, 60 bibs, six ladders, ball bags, parachutes and pumps meant to improve the skills of the 40 boys who are members of the academy.
“I am impressed because these boys have managed to work with one ball and succeeded in their training,
“I have seen great potential in them and I am working on sponsoring maybe four of them to go to the UK and further their endeavours,” said Mafu.
Mafu, who is also former coach of Plumtree FC and Gaborone United, said it was good that the boys now had soccer to focus on as it would take them off the streets.
“Soccer to me is not only about kicking the ball. It entails character building, discipline, maturity and self-sustenance. I encourage the boys to work hard at school and shun taking drugs and alcohol as well as smoking,” he said.
Mafu also encouraged local coaches to take management courses as this was going to improve the way they run their teams.
Phuthi expressed gratitude to Mafu and said he would make sure that the boys make use of the equipment they received.
“We are grateful for this equipment and we will improve our skills and standards since we have been doing well with one ball,” he said.
Lobengula Miracle Academy is a Lobengula-based soccer team and the players are recruited from all primary and secondary schools in the suburb.
A number of former players have been assisting the club and these include former Warriors player Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, Chipo Tsodzo and John Zamba.
Mafu also pledged to assist the team to register with the Zifa Bulawayo Province Junior League although he did not specify when.
Online Reporter