We want to change perceptions: Itai Masawi

ITAI Masawi and his Former Highlanders Legends Association members described their signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Foundation as a milestone to change perceptions about them.

“We have a positive role to play in society. We are fighting stereotypes,” declared Masawi, who is the secretary-general of the body that has all who played for the Highlanders’ men’s team and the Royals.

The two organisations agreed to collaborate on community development initiatives with youth empowerment and social welfare as key proponents of the relationship.

They will engage in a number of joint programmes and projects.

“This is a major shift from what society has grown to label us. We are looked upon as drunkards, people who have lost the desire for positive social impact or a bunch that is waiting for coaching jobs only at Bosso. We are more than that, with a duty to play an ambassadorial role and uplift the legacy of all who played for Highlanders. This partnership presents a chance for more activity and visibility for us,” said Masawi.

He said under the agreement, the players will be accompanying members of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo National Foundation and running coaching clinics. This, he said, would also be like giving back to the community.

“Football is a game we all love and as role models, we will be going about coaching, imparting skills. In a way, we will be helping develop the game of football, legends tend to excite kids more and when they hear about some of the guys’ history. In their education, health campaigns and sports programmes we will be there,” Masawi who played for Eagles, Black Rhinos, Highlanders and Wolves, said.

Masawi said they will be taking to the road on campaigns that promote behavioural change.
“We shall use soccer to good effect and help society fight drug and substance abuse. While it may be health campaigns, in the trail we leave behind, a seed must be planted for a future Soccer Star of the Year to emerge where we would have had a session,” said Masawi.

The signing ceremony in the city on Saturday was attended by the chairman of the foundation Benedict Moyo, board member Dumisani Nkomo and chief executive officer, Hloniphani Nkomo.

Moyo said they were happy to partner with the players, emphasising that the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo loved Highlanders and the youth. He said the nation would, at the end of the day, benefit from the relationship.

Hloniphani said they were looking forward to leveraging both parties’ collective strengths to make a positive impact. The chief executive officer said the organisation exists for shared commitment to giving back to communities.

“The partnership aims to promote youth empowerment, social welfare and community development through joint programmes and projects. Key areas of collaboration include organising soccer tournaments, clean up campaigns, fundraising campaigns, fundraising events, youth empowerment through sports development, career guidance and substance abuse awareness campaigns,” said Hloniphani.

Hloniphani said the relationship will be on three pillars, sports, education and community engagement to drive positive change.