mbulelo smpofu
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER tough as teak centre-back Herbert Dick has expressed excitement over the football legends’ visit to Mawabeni this morning.
He said they are looking forward to entertaining locals in Umzingwane and playing a role in inspiring young players.
Unity Village, Mawabeni FC, Stars FC and Ambassadors are the teams that have been invited to a four-team tournament set for today.
Dick plays for Ambassadors, a club that has in its ranks football greats like Zenzo Moyo, Gift Lunga (Jnr), Vorster Chitemu, Phillip Jambaya, Chipo Tsodzo, Siza Dube and Nkosana Gumbo.
“It is good at times to go out to communities out there and inspire youngsters. We have played at the highest level in Zimbabwe, some of us in Europe and even been members of the national team, it is time to rub shoulders with the boys and give them hope that by taking up soccer and turning their backs on social ills they are on track,” said the former AmaZulu, Bantu Rovers, Air Zimbabwe and Highlanders defender.
Dick promised that a good number of former Premiership players will be in action.
“The people in Mawabeni will see a good number of us who played in the Premiership for their favourite clubs like Chicken Inn, Bantu, Highlanders, Railstars and Zimbabwe Saints. We are excited about the game, more so we will be facing unknown opposition,” said Dick.
Mpumelelo Nkomazana, one of the organisers, said the event is meant to celebrate Mawabeni’s promotion to the Central Region Division One Soccer League.
“Our Mawabeni FC was promoted to the Central Soccer League and we are excited that our boys will have one on-ones with these guys. We have no doubt they will be motivated to play and mingle afterwards with our Zimbabwe football legends,” said Nkomazana, who also runs the Mbesuma Bar at Mawabeni Business Centre.
Nathan Greenland of Body Works and Royal Entertainment said while they celebrate the success of the local side, they have organised the event to also be a family outing, with a jumping castle available to cater to the children.
“We want to give kids and community a different feel at this time of the year. The kids will have a jumping castle, take pictures with Father Christmas, free snacks for the first 200 children and some fun games. There is football too where we have brought in some big names,” said the Mawabeni businessman.
