Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS’ vice-chairman Fiso Siziba took time out of his busy schedule to visit his former school, Sobukhazi, where he delivered a motivational talk to the netball and football teams that have qualified for the national finals.
The school’s Under-16 boys’ football team were crowned Bulawayo Metropolitan champions after defeating district representatives last week to secure the sole ticket to the national finals, which will be held in Masvingo.
All 10 provinces will take part in the competition, with the host province fielding two teams alongside the defending champions.
The girls’ Under-20 netball team has also qualified for the national finals, which will be staged in Marondera, Mashonaland East.
The football tournament is scheduled to run from Wednesday to Friday, with professional clubs expected to send scouts to identify emerging talent.
The netball team will travel to Marondera next Tuesday.
“I am humbled to be here and I would like to commend the headmaster and his staff for inviting us to be here at the school that shaped some of us. It gave us confidence through sport and this school was a powerhouse producing the likes of Augustine Lunga, followed by the generation of Mgcini Silongwe and Dumisani Ngulube’s and our generation where we head the likes of Nkululeko Dlodlo, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Gift Lunga (Senior), Nkosilathi Maseko and Farai Sibanda the current manager of Bulawayo Chiefs,” said Siziba.
He wished the pupils well at the finals, expressing hope that the school would continue to shine on the national stage.
Sobukhazi has produced a number of notable sports personalities across different disciplines. Among them are footballer Godfrey Paradza, as well as volleyball players Sikhumbuzo Gwala and Xoli Lubimbi.
Guided by the motto “The Child First”, the school has adopted an inclusive approach, with three intellectually challenged pupils playing for the football team.
Eunice Magagula, one of the teachers working with pupils with various challenges, said the school is committed to helping every learner find their strength.
“Our headmaster and school encourage us to find something for every kid to do something that may benefit them in the future. We have three boys who have challenges but have shown so much talent in football,” said Magagula.
Headmaster Cain Ncube said he was pleased with the school’s progress, both academically and in extra-curricular activities.
