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Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]

BUDDING footballers will have the chance to display their skills on the pitch at the upcoming Nomsa Boyz Moyo Under 13 tournament set for this Saturday.

The tournament is in its third edition.

Moyo, a highly esteemed icon in Zimbabwe women’s football, has long devoted her time and utilised the tournament to fulfill her philanthropic mission of instilling football and life skills to young players.

At this years tournament, there will be teams from Bulawayo, Gwanda, Binga and Victoria Falls, according to organisers.

In a brief with Zimpapers Sports Hub, Moyo said she was aiming at running tournaments at grassroots so as to reach out to as many budding players.

In organising the tournament, she had realised that upcoming football stars, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, needed to be grooming so that they do not lose focus.

“I was inspired after observing that many of our talented young individuals are gradually losing their shine. The younger generation struggles to find mentors who can relate to them on an equal level. Recognising this, I saw an opening to provide valuable skills and knowledge to aspiring youngsters who aspire to make a life out of football.

“So, I talked to the players on life skills and how to behave as a player. Most of the time we lose players to alcohol and drug abuse because as elders we tend to judge than to understand what they are going through. Children in sport need guidance and that is what I’m spending most of my time on,” she said.

Moyo said she was also on a campaign to denounce the drug abuse scourge.

“Over some time, I had conversations with young players about life skills and proper behaviour as an athlete. I realised that often players are lost to alcohol and drug abuse. Elders tend to judge rather than understand their struggles. It is the time now that we provide guidance to children in sport.”

-@NkosieLegend