admin
Valerie Mpundu-Youth Interactive Writer
FOURTEEN-year-old volleyball athlete Rutendo Mangezi, has been awarded a scholarship at Msengezi High School for her outstanding performance in the sport.
The star got the life changing opportunity after an article on her was published in The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle, Youth Interaction Section, last month.
It was then when she gained the recognition.
As a follow up, in an interview Rutendo and her family expressed great joy over this ,citing it could not have come at a better time as they never had thought their life would change for the better.
“I am really excited about this it’s so unbelievable. I never saw this happening and this is my time to shine,” she said.
“There is no limit to what one can achieve if they set their mind to it. I really love volley and I will not only make my family proud but I aim to make Zimbabwe proud also,” Rutendo said.
Msengezi High School head Mr Rambanepasi was excited about the new addition to the team highlighting the school normally does such programs to cater for outstanding children who excel academically and in sports, and arts.
“We scout and harness talent. I am glad to say the children we have nurtured here proceed to either the Chinhoyi University of Technology or the University of Zimbabwe under our scholarship program,” he said.
“It was an article from The Herald that got a request from our Resident Minister. We made a follow up on it and we found a gem at Chikangwe.”
“Right now, the Under 17s and 20 have travelled to Dendera in Kotwa for Beach Volleyball,” he said.
The institution is known to produce outstanding athletes in terms of volleyball boasting as national champions in their Under 17 and 20 respectively.
Faston Mangezi father to Rutendo gave a heartfelt appreciation to Zimpapers and Msengezi High School for the opportunity, recalling it as a once in a life time chance given to them as a family.
“I stand here as a proud father glad and proud while emotional at the same time. My daughter is able to experience and enjoy privileges I never had.”
“Some might say the joys of motherhood. Well to me it is the joys of parenthood. Never had I imagined just how one article would impact and change my daughter’s life.”
“As a family we appreciate the school and the media for such a noble initiative. You should see the look on my child’s face,” he said.
Coach Besa and team welcomed Rutendo warmly to the family making her feel at home much to her delight as she settled in well. She has been to Kadoma for a tournament so far with her school coming tops and her former school coming second. Currently Rutendo is in Kotwa for the beach volley.
Online Reporter