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Talent Gore
VANA Vedu Organisation is using its junior football club, an affiliate of the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League, in a mission to empower youths and combat drug and substance abuse.
The organisation, known for its commitment to helping underprivileged young people, has integrated sports activities into its programmes, scheduling regular events every Saturday.
Clinton Ndhlovu, the Under-17 boys’ team captain, said:
“When we were younger, we used to think that football was just for entertainment before realising that some people are making a living from it.
“This initiative has taught us to showcase our talent whenever we participate.
“You never know what tomorrow holds. Through this I am living a drug-free life and hoping to become a top footballer soon, thanks to the mentorship and training we are receiving from the organisation.”
Vana Vedu executive director, Chipo Mahamba, said the organisation was dedicated to identifying and nurturing local talent through sport and play a part in combating substance abuse among the youths.
“Besides our humanitarian work, we have joined forces with the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League, an affiliate of ZIFA, to harness the potential of our young footballers and address the challenge of drug and substance abuse,” she said.
The junior football club, which caters for the Under-11s, Under-13s, Under-15s, and Under-17s, boasts of 92 players, who actively participate in the scheduled Saturday events, as directed by the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League.
Mahamba said these activities were meant to keep the youths engaged and away from detrimental behaviour within their community, aligning with the organisation’s motto, “Kubara Kwasahwira kubara kwakowo.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge