Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Dube
INMATES from Khami Prison have affiliated under the Bulawayo Social Soccer League as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Zimbabwe Prisons have adopted a worldwide trend of inmates going for rehabilitation to correct their past mistakes so that they can return to be of positive influence in society. While at correctional service centres, they are exposed to different trades and skills, to leave the institutions ready for life outside.
Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya, the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Officer Commanding for the Zimbabwe Correctional and Prison Services, told Zimpapers Sports Hub on the sidelines of a 12-inmate teams tournament, that soccer had been identified as a key tool towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The commander said they were no longer running punitive centres but now wanted to see inmates correct their ways and return to life with communities.
“As an organisation we have transformed from a punitive approach we used to have to a rehabilitative approach, we realise if we take that route we want to have a citizen who comes out motivated to develop the most popular game,” said Ngwenya.
He said playing in the Bulawayo Social Soccer League allowed inmates to get an appreciation of the outside world and prepare into being integrated back to society.
“We have registered a team of inmates with the Bulawayo Social Soccer League. This is part of our rehabilitation and reintegration exercise. They prepare gradually for life after when they go back to society. We are now rehabilitation centres and this approach has proved a success and we are working with organisations such as City Football Development Trust,” said Ngwenya.
On Saturday the inmates side clashed with Sekusile in a league match at Khami Prison Stadium.
The venue is outside the prisons, officers and their officers watched the match.
Commissioner Ngwenya was the guest of honour at a tournament held to launch a league in which inmates from 12 centres in Bulawayo will battle it out.
The day marked the beginning of a partnership with City Football Development Trust that has been formed by football legends Sikhumbuzo Ndebele and Zenzo Moyo.
Another member of the organisation is Thandolwenkosi Nyathi an accounting graduate and Bulawayo City FC chief executive officer.
“Those legends, are role models we want inmates to copy from them, how they behave and how they engage with community. We want them to go out and be useful citizens,” said Ngwenya.
City Football Development Trust donated balls and uniforms for 12 teams that will play in the league.
“We appreciate our legends we have received uniforms and balls from them,” he said.
Sikhumbuzo Ndebele said they would love to assist inmates come out as qualified coaches and referees so that they can fend for themselves outside prison.
Ndebele said very good players will be recommended to professional teams after serving time at the Correctional Centres.
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