ED ‘endorses’ Bosso, Gamecocks combo

Fungai Muderere 

ONE of Brazil’s greatest players, Sócrates — the 1983 South American Footballer of the Year — completed a doctorate in medicine while playing professional football and practised after retirement and also held a PHD in Philosophy. 

His medical degree and his political awareness, combined with style and quality of his play, earned him the nickname “Doctor Socrates”.

Closer to home in South Africa, ex-Orlando Pirates forward Lehlohonolo Majoro is a radiologist with a degree attained at the University of Johannesburg a few years ago.

Back home, former Dynamos striker Tauya “Flying Doctor” Murewa graduated with a degree in medicine while playing for the Glamour Boys and disappeared from football in Mzansi after playing for Umtata Bush Bucks.

And in case you didn’t know, universities and colleges worldwide have envisioned from a while ago that sports will not only be just competition or entertainment, it will also become a thriving profession.  And, as we all know, if you want to become a successful professional, you have to study for it. 

Did you think sports and study have nothing to do with each other?

In case you need more facts, ask Chicken Inn’s nimble-footed midfielder Clemence Matawu and ex-Highlanders forward Abraham Mubaiwa, who after successfully studying towards their respective Bachelor of Science Honours Degrees in Sport Science and Coaching at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), are going to have their academic abilities endorsed by President Mnangagwa on Friday. 

Following their recent academic achievements, career employability entails the two can now easily become Exercise Physiologists, University Researchers, Sport Scientists, Sport Nutritionists, Sport Analysts, Sport Psychologists, Human Performance Analysers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Personal Trainers, Sports Development Officers and Sports Managers among other well-paying jobs.  In 2017, Matawu made it onto the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar for the sixth time to make him the record holder for the most appearances on the calendar in the modern era of the Premiership. 

However, the record for most appearances on the calendar is held by the legendary George Shaya, who won it in 1969, 1971 (finalist), 1972 (winner), 1973 (finalist), 1974 (finalist), 1975 (winner), 1976 (winner), 1977 (winner) and 1978 (finalist). Mubaiwa attained a Diploma in Sports Management and Physical Education in 2012 and he is stationed at Induna High School. 

The ex-Chapungu, Chicken Inn and Zimbabwe Saints player was initially posted to Mabhikwa High School in Lupane and that reportedly affected his football career.

He joined Zimbabwe Saints when they bounced back into top flight football after buying Eagles’ franchise in 2011 and was converted into a defender by coach Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo and he played as a right-back.

That Zimbabwe Saints, which was relegated back to Division One the same year, bundled Highlanders out of the Mbada Diamonds Cup after beating them 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out at the Colliery after a 0-0 stalemate.

Mubaiwa converted one of the spot-kicks against his former side.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *