Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
ST COLUMBA’S High School headmaster Reverend Canon Ncube has said the institution will endeavour to help all rounded pupils and encourage them to explore their talents even beyond academics.
Rev Ncube said this yesterday as he was congratulating one of their learners Akeelah Khanye who is set to represent the country at the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Africa Junior Championships in Lome, Togo.
With Khanye flying the country’s flag high, her school saw it fit to bid her farewell by presenting a monetary token and material support for the player for the tour.
The player is coached by Mike Mlambo at the Fadzai Madzimbamuto-Tomasik Tennis Foundation in Emakhandeni.
Rev Ncube revealed how delighted they were at the 13-year old’s achievements that have also put the Anglican Church-run school on the map as well.
He said the school development committee raised US$200 to cater for the player’s expenses and they will also chip in to cover anything she might need.
“We are proud of her as a school and we encourage her to go on with sports. Teachers and non-teaching staff of St Columba’s High School are delighted to have such a talented learner in the school. “The school development committee has since agreed to support Akeelah with transport and pocket money. The school will also assist in her tournament fees. We are committed to support in helping our learners realise their dreams,” said Rev Ncube.
St Columba’s sports director Phila Khabo said Akeelah’s participation in tennis has inspired some of their learners to take sport seriously.
“She is an example of how possible it is for one to balance academics and sport. Akeelah is a talented youngster whose future in tennis is bright.
We wish her all the best as she goes to the Africa Junior Championships in Togo.
“What excites us the most is that she continues to inspire her peers in school to do well in their sport activities. With her triumph in as many competitions, she has put our school on the map,” said Khabo.
Akeelah, who is ranked 10th in the CAT circuit, was full of gratitude to her school.
“I would like to thank my school the sponsorship. I really thank my headmaster Reverend Ncube for that. Again I thank my father for the support he has given me through this journey and not forgetting my coach Mike Mlambo who has done a lot, preparing me for these tournament. I will play to win in Togo and have everyone proud,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ) president Walter Jera told Zimpapers Sports Hub that preparations for the Togo trip were underway as
Team Zimbabwe was set to leave on February 24.
The championships will be played from February 27 to March 10.
Khanye is part of the girls’ team that includes Africa’s number one ranked player on the Confederation CAT circuit Kuzivaishe Chapepa, Rufaro Ruwanza and Rutendo Tomu.
The quartet won gold at the Southern Africa regional championships in January, beating heavyweights such as South Africa. In the boys’ team there is Noah Samushonga and Muchengeti Manzungu.
On Monday the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee came to the players’ rescue by paying their airfares, much to the delight of TZ and parents.
Online Reporter