Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Dube
PUTTING on a uniform gives an impression of equality. No one looks better than the other and may foster unity within any team or life setup.
But if people were left to dress according to their means then a majority who happen to be the “have-nots” would have their self-belief and esteem wiped off.
Mbusi Dube, who taught for over a decade and a half at home before deciding to leave for the United Kingdom (UK) where he works as a social worker, comes back home regularly and makes his business to kit schools and community clubs. This he does after touching experiences during his days as a teacher and sports coach at Plumtree High School.
“I taught at Plumtree High School which was a Group A school. We were always well-kitted but when we played some of the Bulilima and Mangwe schools they would be playing barefooted and the upper body exposed to the vagaries of the scorching heat or freezing temperatures. That was bad and it really sunk in me. I was a man earning just enough to survive and I could not do anything to help those boys,” said Dube.
When he got to the UK, Dube taught for a while and officiated in the lower ranks of English football.
It was while he was still an active referee that he heard about Kids Kit Aid and got in touch with them.
“When I heard that there was an organisation that sources uniforms for the less privileged of our society, I did not hesitate to get in touch with them. I thought of those home boys of mine who played without any uniforms. Uniforms give a sense of security and belonging to every member without perusing through into individual backgrounds. It gives sportspersons a chance to feel they are in a team regardless of their backgrounds.
“A dream had been answered when they agreed to assist. For almost five years every time I come home, I have balls and uniforms to give to the community, schools and clubs. The idea always is to think about home (khumbulekhaya concept) and what we can do from out there which will have a positive social impact. I chose sport because it is my passion and I would like to see from this initiative some of the players and teams grow from strength to strength and one day eventually celebrate a talent that would have come through teams and schools we have worked with,” said Dube.
The Matobo-born, Regina and Mzingwane High schools-groomed Dube, who trained as a history and sports teacher at Hillside Teachers’ College, is happy to have met people who are assisting him with football equipment.
He says soccer and sport unite people of all backgrounds.
“Sport is good for unity and social cohesion. People get to be one through it and build a good vibe for co-existence in our communities,” said Dube who returned to the UK on Friday after spending the festive season with family and friends.
“He said his contacts back home had given him a thumbs-up to consider a number of clubs among them Real Stars of Makokoba, West Rovers of West Acre and Big 11. I was touched by Rovers’ story that they come to the city almost 30km from their base in the village and play without uniforms. When a friend told me about them I did not hesitate to include them in the list of beneficiaries where this year we also had basketball with Highlanders Basketball Club receiving our donation,” said Dube.
Dube said he had scanned the football environment and had a clear picture of who needs help more.
He said football clubs in the UK donate kit to Kids Kit every three months who then identify needy areas, especially from the Third World. Dube said his biggest challenge is transporting the uniforms and balls to Zimbabwe. “Bringing them down here is a big expense otherwise I would do more for my communities. I am happy that what I saw of kids as a young teacher in rural Matabeleland where they played without football boots and uniforms there are many of us trying to eradicate that,” said Dube.
He said working as a social worker in the UK after switching from teaching had exposed him to the complexities of life and made his campaigns for material to send for youths back home lighter.
“I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of life and its challenges. I always like to help the less-privileged of our communities,” said Dube.
Online Reporter