Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini, [email protected]
EIGHTEEN-year-old Mpopoma High School athlete Esnath Pinky Ndlovu has been awarded a scholarship to study at El Paso University in the United States but has no money to pay for her travel.
Ndlovu, who has been phenomenal in schools’ athletics passed the personal interview and got her visa at the United States Embassy in Harare on July 6. She has to raise US$1 200 to meet travel expenses.
The Bulawayo Revival Team (BRT), a city lobby group is appealing to well-wishers to come on board and assist Ndlovu.
The BRT’s Sports, Arts and Culture chairperson and fundraising committee member, Desmond Ntini said the scholarship is a lifetime opportunity for Ndlovu which she cannot afford to miss.
He appealed to individuals, companies and organisations to assist Ndlovu to realise her dream.
“This is a girl child who has been given an opportunity to grow her athletics career which will have positive bearing on the country’s sports hence we are appealing for financial assistance on her behalf,” said Ntini.
Ndlovu’s coach Themba Mhlophe said he is happy that she is going to be exposed to advanced training at EL Paso University.
“I have worked with Ndlovu for six years now and she has shown keen interest in developing her athletics career. I’m happy she’s going to get the best training using better facilities in the US,” said Mhlophe.
He also appealed to well-wishers to assist Ndlovu, a 5 000m runner, saying she has potential to represent the country at regional and international competitions.
“I have no doubt that in a few years to come she will be among the country’s top runners that will lift the Zimbabwean flag high,” said Mhlope.
Ndlovu is supposed to leave for America on Saturday next week which means she has just eight days to raise the required money to travel.
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