Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
DEEP inside the heart of Bulawayo, a seventeen year old footballer thrives in the globally followed sport because of his grandmother.
The teenager attributes his success in the world of football to his grandmother who insisted that he focuses on the game to nurture his talent for a brighter future.
The teenage midfielder Ntando Prince Obster, nicknamed “Ma Oil” is thanking his grandmother whom he stays with at the sprawling suburb of Cowdray- Park as one person who ensured that he excels in the beautiful game.
“My grandmother (Agnes Gama) always pushed me and inspired me to play football. She would always be on my neck about soccer and everything l know about soccer is through her. She never allowed me to play with other children, she would insist l go practice soccer and even now she still pushes me to do better in the game.” Said Prince Obster.
“Thanks to her l discovered my talent and now that talent is paying off because through playing football, l am able to pay my school fees.” He added.
Many parents when it comes to sports believe that sporting activities take away school time and the children neglect their school duties. Obster said this is not the case with him and schooling is as important as soccer in his life.
Through sports, various individuals have received scholarships to go overseas.
Ntando started playing football while he was at primary level in Tategulu Primary School located in Cowdray-Park. At that time he played for Cowdray- Park Football Club. This is where the Bulawayo giants, Highlanders Football Club noticed the youngster’s talent.
He said that was his highest moment in football.
“In 2018, my team locked horns with Highlanders. After that match up, the club took me in and l joined Bosso, they have been paying for my school fees and they cater for all my school needs. I’m very grateful to the club and l will strive to do my best and reassure the club that their investment in me will yield positive returns.” Ma oil said.
Amahlolanyama have forked out a number of great players through their junior policy dating back to the 1980’s. These players include Kudakwashe Mahachi, Peter Ndlovu, Marvellous Nakamba amongst others.
Meanwhile, the current junior policy crop at the club include Prince Ndlovu who has been eyed by South Africa’s topflight outfirt Orlando Pirates, Nigel Ncube, Daniel Msendami, Mason Mushore and Mthabisi “Mabobo” Ncube.
Even Darlington Mukuli, is a Bosso 90s product.
Last year, ‘Ma Oil’ was part of the Bosso90 squad which participated at the inaugural Marvellous Nakamba Foundation U-17 Tournament. The Highlanders junior team came second after losing two goals-to-one to Majesa Academy at White City Stadium.
“There were a lot of positives which l took home from the tournament through playing against competitive teams such as Dynamos and Hwange FC.” Said the 17-year-old.
The teenager yearns to flourish in the black and white army team and find himself part of the Highlanders senior team and has envisaged himself playing in the South African DSTV Premier Soccer League for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.