News / Local
Thulani 'Biya' Ncube tourney unites youngsters
15 Jul 2015 at 20:11hrs | Views
US-based former Zimbabwe national team skipper Thulani Ncube hosted the second edition of his annual Thulani "Biya" Ncube and Friends soccer tournament at Amakhosi Stadium in Gwabalanda.
Teams that battled it out included Gwabalanda Pirates, Matebele Warriors, Luveve Juniors and the Dazzy Kapenya-coached FMSA Umguza Under-14 boys.
Gwabalanda were eventually crowned champions, after they beat Umguza 4-3 on penalties in the final.
Biya said the tourney was his continued way of giving back to the community that gave birth to his successful football career.
"I am just giving back to the community where I grew up, hoping someone will later on make a living through soccer," said Ncube in an interview.
"I was born and brought up in Gwabalanda and I still have this community at heart. Its blood flows in my veins and this tournament is my way of thanking the community for providing me with a platform to showcase my talent.
"I am aiming at promoting youngsters to take them out of streets so that they can shun drugs and crime. I want to bring young future stars together and make them see that they can make it. I believe the uniforms that I gave to the participating teams will be inspirational to the boys because we give out something to each of the participating teams. We also acknowledge player of the tournament, goalkeeper and the top goal-scorer."
Ncube still advised the youngsters to prioritise their education for a better tomorrow.
"I believe in education and development as well. We have selected the top three students from three schools - Inyanda, Luveve and Masotsha whose schools fees we will pay for a term. Those three were chosen based on their academic merit and that shows we are not concerned with those talented in sport alone. This will be an on going bursary to promote education within our communities," added the former Bosso and Warriors star defender.
Ncube also gave away 20 t-shirts to community members.
Teams that battled it out included Gwabalanda Pirates, Matebele Warriors, Luveve Juniors and the Dazzy Kapenya-coached FMSA Umguza Under-14 boys.
Gwabalanda were eventually crowned champions, after they beat Umguza 4-3 on penalties in the final.
Biya said the tourney was his continued way of giving back to the community that gave birth to his successful football career.
"I am just giving back to the community where I grew up, hoping someone will later on make a living through soccer," said Ncube in an interview.
"I was born and brought up in Gwabalanda and I still have this community at heart. Its blood flows in my veins and this tournament is my way of thanking the community for providing me with a platform to showcase my talent.
"I am aiming at promoting youngsters to take them out of streets so that they can shun drugs and crime. I want to bring young future stars together and make them see that they can make it. I believe the uniforms that I gave to the participating teams will be inspirational to the boys because we give out something to each of the participating teams. We also acknowledge player of the tournament, goalkeeper and the top goal-scorer."
Ncube still advised the youngsters to prioritise their education for a better tomorrow.
"I believe in education and development as well. We have selected the top three students from three schools - Inyanda, Luveve and Masotsha whose schools fees we will pay for a term. Those three were chosen based on their academic merit and that shows we are not concerned with those talented in sport alone. This will be an on going bursary to promote education within our communities," added the former Bosso and Warriors star defender.
Ncube also gave away 20 t-shirts to community members.
Source - The Zimbabwean
