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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter  
THREE Bulawayo primary schools received a surprise gift yesterday when local businessman Danisa Mpala through his Starnem Zimbabwe company, donated football kits.

Mpala, who sourced the kits from the United Kingdom with the assistance of Mduduzi Mpande who is based in the

UK, donated to his former school Fusi, Inzwananzi in Gwabalanda as well as Tategulu Primary School in Cowdray Park.

Mpala said while Fusi Primary School was his former school and therefore felt obliged to donate to them, he had to extend the gesture to Inzwananzi as part of his corporate responsibility.

“I am a former Fusi pupil but I am also aware that parents of Inzwananzi Primary school pupils are my customers, this is where my income comes from so in a way I am giving back to the community as for Tategulu, my house is in Cowdray Park meaning I am a stakeholder and even a parent to Tategulu Primary,” said Mpala.

Speaking at the handover ceremony and on behalf of Fusi Primary School, Hilda Bhebhe the teacher in charge (TIC) said they were shocked and excited at the same time by the kind gesture from Mpala.

“This is so touching, especially during these difficult times where parents are struggling to pay fees, making it difficult to run the institution. We have an obligation to participate in sports and with this donation a heavy load has been taken off our shoulders, it’s our hope that other former students will remember us like you did,” said Bhebhe in her acceptance speech.

Presentation of football kit to Fusi school donated by Starnem Zimbabwe

Speaking at the same occasion, the head Madline Sibanda said the donation will boost the learners’ confidence in sports.

“You have changed our image in as far as sports is concerned,” she said.

The ceremony was also attended by deputy head Elphina Ndlovu, Sibonile Mpala who is in charge of donations at the school, Nobuhle Ndlovu the school sports president as well as Mduduzi’s brother, Alvin.

Inzwananzi headmistress Ruth Nyoni said they had always felt embarrassed whenever they played against other schools who had proper football kits.

“We have always wished to be like other schools whenever we played. Without proper playing kits these kids naturally lose confidence even before the game starts so from now onwards that will be a thing of the past, thanks to this donation,” said Nyoni.