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Fungai Muderere in Hwange .
FROM the drum to the gloves and football boots!
This is the story of Siyaya Arts administrator Thulani a�?Javasa�? Sibanda who temporarily abandoned his beloved arts scene to attend a Zifa Southern Region Futsal Five-A-side Level OneA� coaches, referees and administrators six-day course that is set to conclude in Hwange on Saturday.
Known for his love for the arts, Sibanda, who has toured several countries with the famed Simon MambazoA� Phiri-led Siyaya Arts group, opened up on his love for the worlda��s mostA� beautiful game.
a�?I have been known as someone who has a keen interest in the arts which is a fact. However, Ia��m also an ardent football follower. I developed a soft spot for football during my childhood days to the extent that I could even watch a social soccer match between teams that I dona��t even know,a�? said the soft spoken Sibanda on the sidelines of the course that was conducted by football great Weekly Mwale.
a�?Ia��m not quitting arts but Ia��m here to learn more about Five-A-Side football. I have played and officiated the game before but there comes a time one needs to seek knowledge and acquire the required qualifications,a�? added Sibanda.
In Bulawayo, he leads a Five-A-Side club named Bulawayo Artists. The club is affiliated to the Southern Region Five-A-side LeagueA�A� which boasts of Amabhubesi, Fox FC, Flying Stars, Cash Money, Street Set, Tshabalala SDA,
Nust and Black Stars as some of their affiliates.
Sibanda, a a�?renowneda�? goalkeeper in Bulawayoa��s Nketa 7 suburb,A� said the six-day course was an eye opener.
a�?I really learnt a lot about the game. It was an eye opener and I would encourage a number of football loving people from all over the country to consider acquiring coaching qualifications. We will need to share the knowledge that we got here with everyone who is into football particularly the small version of the game,a�? he said.
Among the other participants were school teachers that includedA� Priviledge Sibanda (Nechilibi High), SenzokuhleA� Ndlovu, JescaA� Katsangadzi,A� (Chilisa High), Walter Tarambahama (Dampa Seconday), Zenzo Ncube (Lwendulu Primary), Breget Ndlovu (Hwange High) and Paiton Ndlovu (Mosi Oa Tunya High).
Southern Region Five-A-side chairman Philani Banda who graced the course alongside his deputy Chance Moyo and fixtures and programmes secretary Wiston Banda, said they were happy that a number of ladies had shown interest in the course.
a�?It is an encouraging development to see ladies taking part in such a course. We applaud them and we hope to see more females seek to acquire coaching badges. We believe such a development will positively impact on the growth and development of the game,a�? said Banda.
The participants concentrated on the history of Futsal, sports medicine, laws of the game, administration, coaching tactics, goalkeeping, individual technique, tactical play and the physical aspect of the game.
Online Reporter