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Johannes Ngodzo

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Soccer4life training camp being held at Thorngrove grounds attracted more than 200 children between the ages of nine and 15 from Thorngrove and Nguboyenja.

Soccer4life is an organisation founded by United States-based Zimbabwean Zenzo Ndlovu with the aim of getting children off the streets and giving them a chance at life through football.

The camp, which nurtures and helps build self-esteem in the children, began on Thursday last week and ends tomorrow.

Ndlovu said he is impressed with the turn-out and progression of the camp.

“We are trying to encourage the kids to build self-esteem and let them know that they matter. I think the programme is based on my lifestyle. I’m 44 and my dad never came to watch me play. It was not in the African culture, so because of that, I made sure that no child is left behind. We want parents to also get involved,” said Ndlovu.

“We are hoping the programme grows across the city. Imagine these camps being held in Njube, Mpopoma and so on, it would change the city in many ways,” he said.

According to Ndlovu, the camp will teach the children more than football, including strong Christian values.

The children at the camp registered with the organisation and were put into various teams based on their ages.

Coaches for the different teams include football legends Gift Lunga, Johannes Ngodzo and legendary juniors’ coach Ali Baba.

Ndlovu is a product of the Highlanders’ juniors where he played up Under-16 level before moving to the United States.