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Luveve Junior Academy soccer team in their new kit

Netilie Marozva Lifestyle reporter
Luveve Junior Soccer Academy in Bulawayo received 10 soccer balls from the Collin Nyabadza Children’s Voice Charitable Trust last week. The soccer balls were part of the 60 balls received by the organisation from a US-based organisation called Give a Kick, which are going to be distributed to different underprivileged children around the country.

Ms Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, who is the public relations officer for Luveve Junior Academy said that the soccer balls came at the right time when the young boys really need them to develop their soccer skills.

Thirteen-year-old Musa Mpofu, who is a student at the academy, said that he was happy because the balls were going to make soccer training easier for him as an inspiring soccer star.

“ I am very happy because training with new soccer equipment is always exciting and we no longer have to share one ball during training.

I am very grateful for these people who have made our lives easier,” said Mpofu.

Colin Nyabadza, who is the founder of Colin Nyabadza Children’s Voice Charitable Trust said that the project is made to keep teenage boys off the streets by constantly keeping them engaged in something meaningful.

The targeted children who are going to receive the soccer balls are mainly from remote areas like Binga, Bubi, Matopo and Tsholotsho among others.

Mr Evans Netha, who runs the academy said that he was grateful to Colin Nyabadza Children’s Charitable Trust for assisting them in grooming the young boys.

He also said that even though some of the boys failed to get an opportunity to receive enough academic education, they can still get the chance to express their talents on the soccer field if given the opportunity.

The academy trains and nurtures young boys from the age of 12-18 from disadvantaged families who are aspiring to become soccer stars.

Last year, the academy also received soccer jerseys from the Nyabadza Trust.

Nyabadza, who is a former teacher, together with his organisation, have donated books to schools like Tjewondo, Lingwe and Marinoha primary schools, soccer jerseys to Whitewater Secondary School in Matobo, girls’ soccer team in Matobo District and soccer boots. He also assisted 300 students to receive scholarships during his years of teaching.