Loraine Phiri
Bulawayo – The stage is set for an exhilarating day of youth sports with the much-anticipated Tshabalala Sizinda Old School Sports Gala, slated for December 21st at the Indlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala, Bulawayo.
This community-driven event not only promises to unearth young talent but also champions healthy lifestyles, aiming to keep the youth engaged and off the streets.
In an exclusive interview with Matabeleland Pulse, Tshabalala-Sizinda Old School Secretary Marko Muderere shared insights into the preparation and purpose of the gala. “Today, we held the semi-finals. We had 102 children from Tshabalala, Tshabalala Extension, and Sizinda, and six teams (4 boys teams and 2 girls teams) have been invited to compete for the Tshabalala-Sizinda Trophy,” Muderere announced, highlighting the community’s commitment to youth development through sports.
The focus on under-10 athletes is a strategic move to cultivate soccer from the grassroots level. “Our vision as Tshabalala-Sizinda Old School is to form a Tshabalala-Sizinda league that will play under ZIFA. By focusing on under 10 players, we are filling a gap left by most schools who cater for under 14 and fostering a developmental approach of starting soccer at an early age,” Muderere explained, underlining the initiative’s long-term goals.
A particular emphasis is placed on encouraging female participation in sports. “We hope that seeing some girls compete will inspire more girls to get involved in soccer and for more parents to have an appreciation of girls’ soccer,” Muderere added, acknowledging the cultural shift they aim to foster.
The event is not just about competition; it’s a community’s effort to give back. “Tshabalala-Sizinda Old School is dedicated to giving back to the community that raised them. Through sport, we aim to instill discipline, responsibility, and big dreams in the young generation. By keeping children off the streets and away from alcohol, drug, and substance abuse that has bedevilled our communities, we hope to create a brighter future for them,” Muderere passionately stated.
Logistics are in place, with uniforms expected from South Africa, and the organizers are open to partnerships with those who share their vision. The gala will also feature a guest performance by Khaya Arts, adding a cultural flair to the sports day.
The Tshabalala Sizinda Old School initiative is open to residents of Tshabalala-Sizinda who are 60 and above, committed to the development of sports in their community, showcasing the intergenerational commitment to this cause.
This sports gala isn’t just a tournament; it’s a beacon of hope and development, aiming to shape the future of young athletes in Bulawayo.
