FORMER Zimbabwe international George Mbwando came to the aid of one of his former teammates, Alois Bunjira, after sourcing football equipment worth thousands of dollars for Chitungwiza-based Albun Soccer Academy.
DANIEL NHAKANISO IN AUGSBURG, GERMANY
The 37-year-old retired footballer was part of the Warriors who featured at the 2004 and 2006 Nations Cup finals while playing professional football here in Germany.
Mbwando said he secured the equipment which comprises playing kits, tracksuits, and balls from German side FC Ingolstadt, who ply their trade in the second tier of German football.
The Bavaria-based club was home to Mbwando from 2006 to 2008. “I got this equipment from the junior football department of FC Ingolstadt. This is the last team I played for and are in the Second Bundesliga.
I spoke to their coordinator of their junior football structures and he said yes and we look forward to working together with them and Albun Soccer Academy,” said Mbwando.
“I have been following Albun Soccer Academy and when Alois Bunjira said he was coming to Germany, I thought I would look for some training equipment for the boys because I heard one of the boys did very well during a competition in South Africa,” said Mbwando. “That gave me the motivation that maybe we might start afresh to save our football. Every journey starts with a single step and this might be the start of a long journey.
“I hope Albun Soccer Academy gets support from everyone in Zimbabwe because there are so many people who talk of doing this, but Alois is walking the talk. Alois is also my friend and we played together and have kept contact and I will always be there to assist whenever I can with everything he needs,” said Mbwando.
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Bunjira, who is the founder of Albun Soccer Academy, expressed his delight at the good gesture by Mbwando.
“We really appreciate what George (Mbwando) has done. We have always kept contact and he has always been encouraging me. When he heard that I’m coming to Germany he said he would secure something for the Academy and as you can see he has donated a lot of stuff for the academy.” Albun Soccer Academy is currently basking in glory after one of their products Tatenda Elvis Tumba was named the best player at the Copa Coca-Cola Africa Tournament held in South Africa recently.
The 14-year-old Chemhanza High School striker has become the academy’s most prized product and is expected to be part of the best 18 players (All Stars Copa Africa team) that will grace the 2014 World Cup to be staged in Brazil.
