It gives me so much joy and pride to realize that the leaders I left in Mutare have, in a very short time, surpassed what I have done over the years. Whilst taking a short rest from work, I took time to do a progress check on all Mutare Youthzones activities and I can gladly and confidently say I was thoroughly impressed!!! Below, is just but a few of what caught my eye; 

1) Sports

*Outstanding performers in the Premier League

Our players are the most sought after in the premier league at the moment and are making rave reviews. Tichaona Mabvura (pictured above with me) was recently signed by Ngezi Platinum FC and is doing very well for them. I was lucky to see him in action at Sakubva Stadium, fortunately or unfortunately he masterminded the defeat of his hometown team Mutare City Rovers, who are also home to 4 of our players. Pasca Manhanga also joined How Mine FC from Triangle and has been in imperious form, scoring in every game for them so far. He is all over the newspapers!

*Saul on the verge of making history!!!

Our very own Saul Chaminuka, remains assistant coach of the Zimbabwe Senior National Football team and is on the verge of qualifying for the AFCON Championships. They currently lead the log standings with 2 games to go. He was also recently signed by premier league debutants Border Strikers FC from Beitbridge.

*Three new football teams and new league

Mutare Youthzones formed 3 new football teams, namely Ebenezer FC, St Johns and Hilltop FC. They also formed a new 10 team league together with all UBCYF and RCZ teams. I managed to attend Ebenezer FC’s training session once with Armando Sousa (Arsenal Gapper) who had visited from Manica. Unfortunately that was that as there was a long wet spell that engulfed most parts of Zim afterwards.

*Five-A-Side Soccer League

The 5-A-side social football league is still up and running. 2 teams pulled out leaving only 6. UBCYF are currently fifth on the league.

 2) IT Skills Development

Revolver Media is still giving free access to internet and IT lessons youth in and around Mutare Youthzones site. They help with making of CVs and general printing among others. Lloyd Kugoda immensely benefited from such as he recently got employment after getting IT lessons and prepared his CV there.

 3) Life-skills

The youth in Mutare continue to receive life-skills coaching regularly conducted by George Mtisi, Morven Kugoda, Nomatter Simango, Sharon Chigudu and Content Makumbe. Most of them have resultantly developed into great responsible adults and leaders.

 4) Employment

Elizabeth Ngarivhume is now a qualified Medical Doctor and is now doing her housemanship at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals!! Content Makumbe is now permanently employed by Eagle Liner as an IT Technician. Lloyd Kugoda is now employed as cashier at a local butchery. 

5) Enterprise Development

Revolver Media a video & photography company wholly owned by 4 youths remains the notable success story in this regard and is doing well regardless of the harsh economic climate. It employs 3 youths excluding the company owners.