Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimbabwe’ United Kingdom based cricketer Kudzai Mutiti has been nominated for the second year running for the African Founders of the Year Awards.
The FOYA awards seek to recognise and appreciate young founders contributing to the development of the African continent while creating sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship and inspiring others to start businesses.
Having won the Social Founder of the Year last year, Mutiti’s cricket academy, Hokima Cricket Academy which focuses on giving opportunities to young, underprivileged cricketers, fostering a sense of community and developing skills, continues to have its works recognised beyond borders.
In recognition of Hokima Cricket Academy, Mutiti has been nominated for three awards this year, namely Social Founder of the Year, Eduprenuer of the Year and Most Promising Founder of the year.
Mutiti who turns out for Great Houghton, a Northampton Cricket Club, and also serves as coach has described the three nominations for the FOYA awards as humbling and emotional.
“It is deeply emotional for us (Hokima Cricket Academy), to be recognised in one category and win it last year was a dream come true on its own as it was validation of the work we are doing in making an impact to the community.
“And this year to be nominated in not only one, not two, but three categories, I think it’s beyond anything we have ever imagined. I think it shows that our efforts of empowering the youth through sport is creating a real impact and is not going unnoticed,” said Mutiti.
He added that being picked for three awards is great motivation for the academy to make an impact to the community.
“Being recognised by FOYA, an organisation that champions youth-led excellence and innovation across the continent reminds us that we are part of something bigger, a movement of young Africans driving change, transforming communities and breaking barriers.
“We are grateful for this platform and we are inspired to keep pushing forward, not just for the win, but the legacy we’re trying to build as Hokima Cricket Academy,” said Mutiti
