Soccer academy targets Gifford High revival with life skills drive

GIFFORD High School has turned to former CMED player Zenzo Ndlovu as it looks to rebuild its football programme and refocus pupils beyond the pitch.

The Bulawayo school on Tuesday signed a partnership with ZSports Academy that will see the academy take charge of technical development while the school provides facilities.

The agreement also sets out to build a structured football hub backed by academic support, life coaching and scholarship pathways.

Once known for its sporting identity, Gifford has struggled for consistency in recent years. School authorities believe the partnership can steady that slide.

“We are not just about football,” said Ndlovu after the signing ceremony. “We have to prepare these boys for life. In the past, players were taught tactics and technique, but many retired with nothing. We want our players to leave with education, direction and options.”

Under the deal, ZSports Academy will provide qualified coaches, equipment and structured training programmes for school teams. The academy will also connect players to Soccer4Life, an organisation it works with in the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Ndlovu said the programme will include financial literacy, health awareness, career planning and responsible decision making.

“Football can open doors, but it can also destroy careers if players are not guided properly,” he said.
“We have seen talented players lose focus when fame and money come. As academies, we must act as parents and teachers as well.”

Gifford headmistress Bongai Dewa said the partnership fits into a wider effort to improve both academic results and sporting standards.

“We are improving academically and upgrading our sports facilities,” she said.
“This partnership comes at the right time. We want Gifford competing again.”

The school plans to strengthen its structures from junior level, creating clear development pathways instead of assembling teams only for tournaments.

Ndlovu believes proper systems can help Bulawayo schools produce players capable of securing scholarships and professional contracts.

“We want our boys to understand that football can be a career if it is handled correctly,” he said.
“But education is key. The two must go together.”