By Stanley Ngolosi
In the heart of Mangwe district, within Empandeni catchment area, a remarkable story of passion, dedication, and community spirit has been unfolding for the past five years.
Impande Football League (IFL), sponsored by Kudzani “Nyanja” Ndlovu, has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for young footballers in the area.
The league, which comprises of 10 teams, has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent from the village.
The teams that currently make up the IFL are Phakamani FC, Mhlotshana FC, Kwite FC, Macingwana FC, Mkhayeni FC, Hanyani FC, Valukhalo Warriors FC, Finish FC, Mvalweni FC, and Magwala FC.
One of the league’s notable achievements is its commitment to capacity building. For the past couple of seasons, the league has managed to invite Mr J Ndlovu, a FIFA-qualified trainer to conduct workshops for both referees and team coaches.
These workshops have equipped participants with valuable knowledge and skills, enhancing the overall quality of the game.
The IFL has not only promoted football in the village but also became a source of entertainment for the community. The league’s games have become a major attraction, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic supporters who gather to cheer on their favorite teams.
The electric atmosphere and sense of community spirit that pervades the league’s matches are a testament to the power of sports to bring people together.
Ndlovu’s sponsorship has been the driving force behind the league’s success. His commitment to supporting local talent has been unwavering, and his contribution has made a significant impact on the lives of many young players.
“First of all, I would like to thank Nyanja for bringing this initiative to our village. Before this, we used to play tournaments, which we called ‘umbhejo,’ where our games had no rules and order, and most matches would end in fights. The introduction of the league came with many lessons including the importance of discipline, it has also helped our young boys to stay away from doing wrong things, and it has managed to build good relations between our villages,” said Notice Nkomo, the Chairman of IFL.
Shepherd Moyo, Phakamani FC coach, also shared his thoughts: “If it wasn’t for Ndlovu, we wouldn’t have seen this development. This is one of the major developments we have ever seen coming from one of our own. Our young boys have been given an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents. As I am speaking, from my team, we have managed to send a few of our boys for trials in teams that play in Division One, and we are still pushing to send more.”
The IFL has become a launchpad for talented players to pursue their dreams, as many are being prepared to play for bigger clubs and the dream is to see these boys representing our community in national competitions. The league’s success is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of supporting local talent.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today