THE repercussions from the South African club, Bidvest Wits, to sell their franchise are also being felt at Ngezi Platinum Stars who believe they have been one of the major losers.

It has been revealed that the ground had been cleared for the Mhondoro team to enter into an exchange programme with their South African counterparts.

The relationship started after Ngezi sold Terrence Dzvukamanja to Bidvest in July 2018.

Addressing players at their Baobab home, this week, club president, Stanley Segula, said it was unfortunate Bidvest ended up disposing their franchise.

"The example that all of you here should follow is Terrence Dzvukamanja," Segula said.

"Dzvukamanja was nurtured here, he was a disciplined boy and always trained hard.

"Several clubs were chasing his signature and it was Bidvest Wits who matched us.

"The boy didn't disappoint and I am sure you will all agree with me there.

"Bidvest were very impressed and we had a very good relationship with them.

"We wanted to foster some key exchange programmes and, at one point, we even toured their facilities, learning how they do their things down there.

"It was a good experience and we looked forward to more of those exchange programmes.

"There was a proposal that would have seen us selling some of our players that side."

However, everything changed when the Bidvest franchise exchanged hands.

"Unfortunately it is what it is but we won't despair," said Segula.

"We will, instead, look at other opportunities available for the same arrangements and we want to be a model club.

"But, what I will tell you, at the moment, is that you need to focus and keep your heads level.

"We are definitely behind you ... you ought to do your work.

"We want to develop you in every aspect of your careers and lives.

"You are not just footballers, but professionals as well, so you need to know all that. So, we will support you all the way."

The management at the Mhondoro side vowed to bring experts, from different fields, including psychology, nutrition and financial management, among others.

And, yesterday, the players received the first of a series of financial lectures from renowned speaker Arthur Marara.

Club chief executive Nyasha Kadenge said the team will be having more of such lessons.

"Basically, we want to develop a total sportsman," Kadenge said.

"We have cases, in the country and worldwide of footballers who have made a lot of money in their playing careers and, a couple of years after their playing career is finished, they are nearly destitute.

"We want to teach our players to plan for the future by making good decisions now, how to develop good habits, how to manage their expenditure, how to become financially disciplined."

One of the team's new players, Wellington Taderera, hailed the direction Ngezi were taking. "It's definitely an ideal setting and scenario," said Taderera.

"I am happy to be exposed to crucial things like this. Football is a profession and players also need to be professionals.

"I am looking forward to other lectures and I am confident, by the end it all, we will not only be better players but better persons as well."

Copyright The Herald. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)., source News Service English