Blind soccer players with the opportunity of a lifetime
Six students from Murewa United Methodist High School in Zimbabwe have been selected to play in the International Blind Soccer Association’s women’s match in Japan in 2019. Front row, from left, are students Fadzai Kimberley Nyakudya, Chengetai Chipanga and Monalisa Makoma; back row, from left, are Teresa Mharadzirwa, teacher/guide Constance Tendere Munemo, Tanisha Zonde, goalkeeper Gellie Mawarire, Tarumbidzwa Taruvinga, sports director Pilani Nyanhanda and Titus Tsiga. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UMNS.
By Chenayi Kumuterera
Dec. 12, 2018 | HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)
Dec. 12, 2018 | HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)
Tarumbidzwa Taruvinga, 17, has been blind since birth. A student at Murewa United Methodist High School, she never dreamed she would travel to Japan for a chance to compete in an international blind soccer tournament in Tokyo and Saitama. But now, if she gets enough funding, that is on her 2019 agenda.
“I just want to thank the almighty God for granting me this opportunity,” she said. “Being a firstborn brought up in a visually handicapped family, it’s amazing.
“I was so excited and could not believe my ears. … My parents were also excited to hear such good news and opportunity in my life.” Her parents, also blind, attended Murewa United Methodist High School as well.
“I will be glad to return and teach both boys and girls about the rules of blind football and techniques,” Taruvinga added.
“I keep praying to Jesus for the funding of my trip,” she said. “I would play my best to raise the flag of excellence to my country, school and church.”
Six students from Murewa High School were selected to participate in the Feb. 20-24 soccer match: Taruvinga, Chengetai Chipanga, Kudakwashe Kundishora, Monalisa Makomo, Fadzai Kimberley Nyakudya and Tanisha Zonde.
“I was so excited and could not believe my ears. … My parents were also excited to hear such good news and opportunity in my life.” Her parents, also blind, attended Murewa United Methodist High School as well.
“I will be glad to return and teach both boys and girls about the rules of blind football and techniques,” Taruvinga added.
“I keep praying to Jesus for the funding of my trip,” she said. “I would play my best to raise the flag of excellence to my country, school and church.”
Six students from Murewa High School were selected to participate in the Feb. 20-24 soccer match: Taruvinga, Chengetai Chipanga, Kudakwashe Kundishora, Monalisa Makomo, Fadzai Kimberley Nyakudya and Tanisha Zonde.