OnSport Magazine Reporter
The role of school teachers in junior sports development goes largely unnoticed yet they play a pivotal role in molding future sports stars into what they eventually become. One such person who has done a lot of work at Mzilikazi High School is Khonzani ‘Mboma’ Ncube.
Mzilikazi High is well-known for producing exceptional sports stars especially in footballer. The likes of Peter Ndlovu, who is arguably Zimbabwe`s greatest footballer of all time is a product of the school together with his brothers Madinda and Adam.
The school’s aim and objective is to develop players for the premier league and national team. Recently, the likes of Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Kudzaishe Dzingwe and Prince Ndlovu amongst others have played premiership football as students at the school while a number of players have played for the junior national teams whilst studying at the school.
For Ncube, a passionate sports person who holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in Agriculture from Lupane State University and Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Level 1 and 2 badges, working at Mzilikazi High has brought a lot of success to his career where he has won numerous accolades.
Ncube has had a successful career in which he has won his team the Chevrolet Championship at National level Under 20 in 2015 and Kambarami Champions also in the same division.
The following year they were crowned the Coca Cola District Champions Under 15, Arenel Under 17 District Champions, NASH under 20 District Champions and Chevrolet Champions Under 20 at National once again. He was also voted Best coach for Boys in 2016.
Other accolades include 2017 Coca Cola District Champions Under 15, Arenel District Champions Under 17, Proton Nash District Champions Under 20. In 2018, District Champions Under 15 Coca cola Champions, District Under 17 Arenel Champions, Provincial Under 17 Arenel Champions, National Semi Finalists Under 17 and Proton District Champions Under 20.
In 2019 he led his team to be crowned Grassroot Soccer Under 15 Champions, Kudakwashe Mahachi Under 17 Champions, Coca Cola District Champions Under 15, Arenel Nash District Champions Under 17 and Proton District Under 20 Champions.
After the COVID-19 induced break, the school has came back with a bang winning the Under 17 and 20 District Championships and becoming quarter finalists at National level.
Mzilikazi High School team that won the Mahachi Foundation tournament. From left Lewis Mzondo, Miguel Feldman, Zimba Romeo, Musawenkosi Minezhi, Mthabisi Ncube
Front Row: Tatenda Mazwipakupa, Shelton Gava, Charlton Nyahanana, Prince Nyathi, Shelton Nyosi, Ashley Nenge.
Born in Umzingwane Esigodini on the 11th of September 1981, Ncube played football in his younger days which was however cut short by a nagging knee injury. “I played football in Esigodini for Habane Pirates before coming to Bulawayo and playing for Midron FC . Unfortunately I was injured and I had to quit football,” said Ncube.
In his heyday, he used to pack powerful shots from afar and he earned the nickname Mboma in reference to Cameroonian forward Patrick Mboma, even though Ncube played as a defender.
He then decided to try his luck in coaching. He started off at Magwegwe based White Birds FC in 2015. That was the same year he also commenced work at Mzilikazi High.
At Mzilikazi High, Ncube has produced a number of footballers who are playing for Premier Soccer League teams and others outside the country. Some of the players include Leslie Dumo Lunga (Bulawayo City) Nqobile Ndlovu (Bulawayo City), Crybert Mazarura (Mochudi Center Chiefs, Botswana), Shadreck Nyahwa (Dynamos), Andrew Mbeba, Romeo Zimba, Prince Nyathi, Darlington Mukuli , Mthabisi Ncube and Prince Ndlovu (all Highlanders), Thomas Mudzengerere, Mthokozisi Msebe and Miguel Feldman Miguel (Bulawayo Chiefs), Oscar Bhebhe (FC Platinum), Mpumelelo Bhebhe (Chicken Inn), Elshamar Farasi and Andrea Siziba who are both on the verge of joining Highlanders from BCC.
Ncube believes that the school calendar should be accommodative to students that participate in sporting activities. “You will realise that most of our work is hampered by the school calender, unlike in Europe. Talented students end up quitting sports because they fail to balance the two. What we need is a special program for them because if a student contracted to a club has a training session with but at the same time he has an exam, he will have no choice but to write the exam.
Khonzani Ncube in green celebrating with his Mzilikazi team
But, the student can maybe write the exam later on or on a different date. This can only happen if we prioritise junior sports development as a country,” Ncube concluded.
Ncube, currently attached to ZIFA Southern Region Division One side Nkayi United, is continuing his work at Mzilikazi and there a number of youngsters whom he believes are the future stars in Zimbabwe football. These include anchorman Brian Ngombengombe who plays for Highlanders U13s, Thubalethu Ncube, Lethubuhle Sibanda (all Highlanders), then Perfect Mhlanga, Leo Phiri, Tanaka Chitimbe (Bulawayo City) and Eric Mudzingwa Jr (Fusini fc).
