RUTENDO CHIRUME
CHIVI-Castle Lager Premier Soccer League 2022 Referee of The Year, Martin Chivandire has donated soccer kits to two schools Mandini Primary School and Berejena High School in Chivi where he did his primary and secondary education.
The reigning Referee of The Year donated 14 jerseys and a ball to Mandini Primary School in Mushawasha East in Masvingo Rural and a full soccer kit and two balls to Berejena High School in Chivi.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the kit at Mandini recently, Chivandire said he is fulfilling a promise he made to the school back in 2019 when he donated some soccer balls.
“In 2019 I came to give out some balls because the school was practicing using balls made of plastic. It was then that I got to know that the school has no playing kits.
“The soccer team would borrow a kit from neighbouring schools if they qualify for a major tournament in their zone.
“I was very touched and I made a promise to the school head that if resources and time permit, I will come back with a full kit for the juniors hence I am here today.
“It has nothing to do with politics, neither do I have any political agenda or intention to contest. I am doing this out of love and sacrifice.
“It is our role as former students to come back and check on our former schools and that is how they can also develop,”.
At Berejena, Chivandire donated made the same donation and went on to recruit Sailas Mauzhe doing form 4 whom he said is to enroll for a referee’s course.
During a mock game where Chivandire was the referee, Sailas had the opportunity to start his duties as the assistant referee for the 30 minutes duration of the game.
“Plans are that we will hand over Sailas to Mr Mazire who is the coordinator of referees for the Eastern Region so that he can start attending refereeing lessons. In addition to the soccer kit for the school, I have a full attire for our young referees.
“My hope is that one day he becomes like me because it means a lot to me. I cannot be the referee of the year without a legacy, it will not make sense that in my years of being involved with soccer I left nothing for my former school yet it is on those grounds that my carrier and life started from,” said Chivandire.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Sailas extended his profound gratitude to Chivandire and promised to work hard so that he will not disappoint his role model.
“I feel humbled and over the moon. I never thought I will have this opportunity to wear this attire in my life.
“I love refereeing, here at school I officiate some friendly matches and some social soccer games we play at the hostel.
“I do play soccer but now that I have this offer I am going to concentrate more on refereeing and make sure that I do not disappoint my redeemer.
“I come from a poor background and an opportunity like this is of a life time and that is how important it is to me,” said Sailas.
