The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) and the Zenzo Moyo Soccer Foundation (ZMSF) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening inmate rehabilitation and reintegration through sport, and launched an inmates’ soccer league at Khami Prison Complex in Bulawayo.
The partnership will see ZMSF supporting the Bulawayo Inmates Football Association (BIFA), an association formed within Khami Prisons to coordinate football activities and related programmes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Commissioner Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya, welcomed the partnership, saying it reflected a shared commitment to rehabilitation and the development of responsible citizens.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Founder and Chairman of ZMSF, Mr Zenzo Moyo, our special guest and partner of ZMSF Mr Benjani Mwaruwaru and the entire Foundation for extending a helping hand to complement our rehabilitation efforts. Your commitment to bringing trainers, technical expertise, equipment and other resources to equip inmates with soccer and netball skills is commendable.
“The MoU which we are signing today with ZMSF signifies more than a signed document; it symbolises hope, transformation and our shared commitment towards building productive and responsible citizens. To a large extent, it assures continuity of the league,” he said.
Commissioner Ngwenya said rehabilitation and reintegration were collective responsibilities requiring support from various stakeholders.
“Sport has become a universal language that transcends barriers and creates opportunities. It instills discipline, teamwork, perseverance, tolerance and respect for rules. These are qualities that are essential for personal development and societal harmony,” he said before officially launching the league.
Speaking on behalf of ZMSF Founder and Chairman Mr Zenzo Moyo, the foundation’s secretary, Mr Sikhumbuzo Ndebele, said the organisation sought to support inmates through sport.
“This is an opportunity for inmates to express teamwork and discipline. We came together with the intention of giving a second chance to inmates without looking at where they come from. I urge you to use this opportunity to grow yourselves, exhibiting friendship and support for one another. A lot is demanded in soccer – we play so that we improve each other,” said Mr Ndebele.
ZMSF partner and former footballer Mr Benjani Mwaruwari welcomed the collaboration between ZPCS and the foundation.
“I am happy for this collaboration and personally what I am witnessing today is not just a ceremony, it is another strong and shining exhibition of the beauty of the game of football. I pledge to support the foundation and the programmes it is currently running with ZPCS,” he said.
Following the signing ceremony, ZMSF donated 10 soccer balls and training bibs to 10 teams from Khami Prisons. The foundation also pledged to assist vulnerable learners at Khami Prison Schools with school fees and uniforms.
BIFA president Shepherd Moyo expressed appreciation for the partnership and the launch of the league.
“We are so excited with what ZMSF and the Officer Commanding did to us. Our association will grow from strength to strength,” he said.
The event concluded with an exhibition match between Khami United FC and Khami Rehab FC.
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