Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Dumisani Ndlovu Foundation Schools Under-15 Football Tournament marks its 10th anniversary this weekend at St Columba’s High School, in Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb.
Tournament founder Dumisani Ndlovu, arrived from the UK yesterday, bringing some of the uniforms and footballs that will be used at the event. The competition began in May with preliminary rounds, and tomorrow the remaining teams will battle it out for the boys’ and girls’ titles.
Ndlovu said he’s proud the tournament not only survived the Covid-19 era but continues to deliver on its original mission: giving young people a meaningful alternative to drugs and substance abuse through sport.
“This is our 10th anniversary, so we started this charity in 2015, just arrived from the UK, our games are on Saturday, objectives are to keep young children away from drugs,” said Ndlovu.
He believes sport offers a direct way to reach young people and encourage healthier life choices.
“We are using sport as a vehicle to channel their energies, having worked with schools for the last 10 years. When we started before Covid, we were doing extremely well in terms of getting donations,” he said.
Spencer Mpala, the Dumisani Foundation’s Zimbabwe CEO, confirmed the boys’ teams from Mtshabezi, Gifford, Milton and Entumbane High Schools will compete in tomorrow’s finals. St Columba’s and Mzilikazi will face off in a one-off match in the girls’ category.
Both Mpala and Ndlovu said preparations are complete and the stage is set for a competitive and spirited day of football that honours the milestone.
Each participating school will receive two full kits and footballs.
Ndlovu credited Nqobi Khumalo and Mpala for keeping the foundation’s work going locally while he fundraised and sourced supplies from the UK. He also highlighted the role of unpaid commitment in sustaining community projects.
“Volunteerism is key,” he said, “especially in programmes like this where sport becomes more than a game, it becomes a support system.”
