GOKWE- A new non-governmental organisation, Dream Lives for Africa Trust (DLAT) was recently launched in style in Gokwe’s Mafungautsi area under Chief Chisina at Krima centre, promising to assist talented children realize their sporting dreams.
The launch which coincided with a charity sports tournament brought together more than 5000 villagers from all walks of life while attracting more than 15 football and netball teams from in and around Gokwe.
Also present were football legends, Moses ‘Bambo’ Chunga and Alois Bunjira as well as Dendera music star Tryson Chimbetu among other dignitaries.
The newly established organisation which was founded by United Kingdom (UK) based football enthusiast and former Krima Primary School pupil, Engineer Khumbulani Thekwane Ndlovu, is already working to help needy people in Gokwe.
Ndlovu, the founder said he started the organisation using his own personal resources to show potential donors what can be done with limited resources.
“We are here to stay as an organisation, we know others have come and done this received funds and ran away but we are using our own resources for now to show that we are committed to this.
“When we approach the donor community then we will try and convince them that this is what we have done and we still need to do more but we have limited resources,” he said.
Ndlovu, who has spent the last 16 years in the UK but periodically visiting the country, says he has businesses in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe as well as the UK.
He says the tournament, which will be an annual event.
Moses ‘Bambo’ Chunga hailed the talent identification programme saying it gives exposure to disadvantaged youths in the remote areas.
“This is a good programme for the youngsters and they get exposure. If we can get more people getting into such programmes we will have more talented players making it into professional football.”
Headman Mafendu, representing Chief Chisina said the DLAT Sports Tournament was a welcome and nobble idea as it would help in keeping idle youths occupied.
“This is a great idea and youths will be occupied and also developing a learning mentality and stops them from engaging in criminal activities,” he said
Dendera music star, Tryson Chimbetu who donated his time and effort to be at the event, lived up to his billing as he capped off the event with a sterling performance.
“We are here celebrating with Mr Ndlovu on this charity work and it’s a big day for me and my brothers (band members) and Gokwe,” he said.
