admin
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THREE academically gifted footballers from Njube and Lobengula suburbs aged between 16 and 17 have been selected for the US scholarships after impressing a panel made up of coaches during the Gift Banda tournament.
Seventeen-year-old striker Mayibongwe Dube, who is one of the potential beneficiairies, scored a hat trick for Njube Spurs as they beat Vitality FC 3-1 in the final of the inaugural tournament.
Dube, a Sobukhazi High School pupil was selected alongside Mpopoma High School pair of defender Alton Nyathi (16) and 17-year-old utility player Michael Mavenge. The trio play for Njube Spurs.
A panel of football coaches who included former Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi, ex-AmaZulu leftback Goodson Gama and renowned Division One coach Morris Mukwiti selected the trio after watching the eight-team Under-17s tournament.
Sponsored by Zifa acting president Gift Banda who is also the Njube-Lobengula constituency Member of Parliament, the competition attracted Vitality, Njube Spurs, Njube United, LMC Youth Academy, Nkalikha Stars, Lobengula Rovers, Gugulesizwe and High Fliers. All the clubs are from Njube and Lobengula.
“A seasoned scout that I spoke to who is based in the United States of America said we should identify at least three academically gifted boys for football scholarships trials and we set up a panel of coaches to monitor these youngsters. The
US-based scout is visiting the city this month and these three boys will have a chance to showcase their talents. I trust the coaches selected the best who will make the grade,” said Banda.
The Zifa acting boss said next year’s edition will involve more teams.
“The goal is to give a platform for young players to play more games and involving more teams for the next edition means more will benefit from the football equipment we’re giving them. All the participating teams received football equipment which included playing kits, match balls, cons and bibs,” said Banda.
On their way to lifting the cup, Njube Spurs, who conceded an own goal in the final against Vitality of Old Lobengula beat Njube United 2-0, Lobengula Rovers 2-1 and High Fliers 2-1.
On the other end, Vitality edged LMC Academy 2-1, won by identical 2-0 score lines against Gugulesizwe and Nkalikha to set up a final against Njube Spurs.
Zifa board member technical and development, Kenneth Mhlophe who was the guest of honour said it was pleasing that most festive tournaments were rewarding participants with football equipment.
“It’s good to note that the Zifa president is playing a leading role in the development of football at grassroot level. The trend we noticed is that there have been a number of festive tournaments in the city that were focused on juniors, which is commendable. We hope more sponsors will emulate Banda and others in rewarding participants with equipment,” said Mhlophe. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter