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‘A most fortunate guy:’ former Highlanders coach, national team soccer player takes over at top US college

Published

3 years ago

August 28, 2022

BY LORI RILEY

When Methembe Ndlovu was growing up in Zimbabwe, he thought he had to make a choice at age 16: either he could play soccer or pursue an education.

In Zimbabwe, he could not do both at a high level.

Both of his parents were schoolteachers; they wanted him to continue his education. Ndlovu wanted to play soccer.

One day, at soccer practice, a man from the United States showed up.

He talked about colleges in America and how Ndlovu could play and go to school.

That moment changed his life.

“I like to say I’m one of the most fortunate guys,” Ndlovu said.

Soccer and education have taken him all over the world – to Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., where he saw snow for the first time and was a four-time Ivy League player, to playing soccer professionally, to coaching the most popular soccer team in Zimbabwe, to helping start a programme that combined education about Aids and HIV with soccer.

Now Ndlovu, 49, is back in New England, in his first year coaching the men’s soccer team at Trinity College.

Former coach Mike Pilger retired after 18 seasons in November after the Bantams went 3-11-1 last season.

“I spent my first few years in the US on the East Coast, so this has always felt a little bit like my home in the U.S,” said Ndlovu, who has had stints as an assistant at Notre Dame and Penn State.

“I had very high regard for [the NESCAC] so when this opportunity opened up, I felt like this could be a good fit.”

Ndlovu started playing soccer as a boy. He grew up in a city called Bulawayo in southwestern Zimbabwe.

“I was a very committed athlete, but my parents said, ‘You are continuing in school,’” he said.

“I would play with my club team when I could, which is unusual – my parents said if you keep these grades, you can play club.

“The kids who were really serious about being professional as football players, they were training in the morning and the afternoon.

“I could only train in the afternoon after school. It really put me in a good position for US colleges.

“I didn’t know anything about college, or scholarships or financial aid. It was something that wasn’t even a thought for me.”

That is, until somebody from Dartmouth came to one of his practices.

A man was teaching English at a local school and came to watch the club team play and asked to speak to Ndlovu, whom the coaches pointed out as a good student.

“He went back to the US and started sending me SAT prep stuff,” Ndlovu said. “It was totally random.

“This is why I say I’m one of the luckiest people.

“A year later, another person came on the same kind of exchange thing to teach so I developed a connection with the school and with the coach and prepared for the SATs and a couple of years later, I was in Hanover N.H.”

Ndlovu got off the plane at Logan Airport, not knowing anyone in the US.

An assistant coach named John O’Connor was there to welcome him with a sign with his name on it.

In a full circle kind of moment, on October 16, Trinity will play Castleton (Vt.) University, where O’Connor is now coaching.

Ndlovu always assumed he would play professionally then become a teacher.

But as he watched his college coach, Bobby Clark (who went on to win a national championship at Notre Dame in 2013), he realized once again he could do both.

“Being exposed to the whole college atmosphere in the US, it kind of started to plant an idea in my head you could actually teach soccer for a living, this could be a career,” he said.

He did play, for the Zimbabwe national team and in the US for a professional team on Cape Cod.

He got the chance, for 2 ½ years, to coach his favourite childhood team, Highlanders, and they won the Zimbabwean national title.

He also was the co-founder of a programme called Grassroots Soccer, which sought to educate youngsters in Zimbabwe about Aids and HIV using soccer as a vehicle. Zimbabwe has the fifth-highest HIV rate in the world.

“It’s a subject that can be difficult to talk to with young people so soccer was just a tool for engagement,” he said.

“I’m still involved. When I moved here, I had become Africa’s CEO.

“”I was looking after programmes in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa for Grassroots so when I left, I transitioned onto the board.

“And I just stepped down from the board this year, but I still remain involved behind the scenes.

“Our mission is to save lives. We have graduated more than a million adolescents in 22 different countries since 2002.

“This means a lot of young people have gone through our programmes and graduated and received life-saving information.”

Trinity’s soccer practice began Thursday. Earlier in the week, Ndlovu couldn’t wait to start.

“We want to improve every day,” he said. “And at the end of the season we’ll finish where we belong.

“But what we want to do is work together as a group, on and off the field, with and without the ball, really be a team – if we take care of those little things, working together, playing properly, preparing properly for games, the results will take care of themselves.”- Hartford Courant

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National

Hwange MP Molokele urges government support for cultural events amid Mzilikazi Day success

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

In a notable session of the National Assembly held yesterday, Hwange Central Member of Parliament Daniel Molokele-Tsiye expressed his disappointment regarding the government’s lack of support for cultural events in Zimbabwe.

His comments came in light of the successful Mzilikazi Day event organized by the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association over the weekend, which attracted a diverse crowd from across the country and the diaspora, particularly from South Africa.

“Thank you so much Hon. Speaker, good afternoon. My point of national interest is to congratulate the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association for successfully organizing the Mzilikazi Day event which was held on Saturday over the weekend,” began Molokele, highlighting the significance of the event that brought together thousands of participants from various backgrounds.

Despite the event’s success, Molokele explicitly voiced his frustrations, stating, “Despite the fact that the event was a big success, one of the big concerns was that relevant government departments were visible in their absence.” He criticized the absence of key ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.

He further lamented the inconsistent government support for local cultural celebrations compared to foreign observances. “We are able to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are able to celebrate other days that the Western culture teaches us, but when it comes to celebrating things that are local… we are still lagging behind,” he asserted, comparing Zimbabwe unfavorably to countries like Eswatini which actively promote their cultural events.

Molokele urged, “As Zimbabwe, we must learn from Eswatini and support events such as the one that we held on Saturday… we must be seen to be supporting it.” He emphasized the need for the government to embrace and promote cultural heritage, stating, “We must celebrate and encourage all districts, provinces, cultures, and all languages in Zimbabwe to organize such kinds of events.”

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Victoria Falls Safari Collection wins top honours at 2025 AZTA awards

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOMMY VUMA

The Victoria Falls Safari Collection, operated by the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group, has reaffirmed its leadership position in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector after two of its properties once again claimed top honours at the 2025 Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) Awards held at Hyatt Regency Harare TheMeikles on 06 September.

For a remarkable 27th consecutive year, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was voted Best Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, while Lokuthula Lodges won Best Self-Catering Facility in Zimbabwefor the 11th year, highlighting the collection’s consistent delivery of world-class hospitality. Lokuthula Lodges was also recognised as First Runner-Up in the Best B&B / Guesthouse category, highlighting its broad appeal. To complement these awards, Victoria Falls Safari Collection Sales Executive Wendy Bourne was honoured with the Best Voluntary Service Award for the 12th time, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting the travel trade.

“These awards bear witness to the dedication and passion of our entire team, whose commitment to excellence ensures that our guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences in Victoria Falls,” said Managing Director Nigel Frost. “We are humbled by the trust and confidence our industry partners continue to place in us, and we are inspired to keep striving for even higher standards.”

The awards come at a time of growth for the Victoria Falls Safari Collection. Following the successful launch in April 2025 of Queen Nandi Place, a multi-purpose venue for upmarket meetings and events, the collection is preparing to unveil additional MICE facilities, including two breakaway rooms and a catering area designed to be used for various events.

Ross Kennedy, Director and Founder, added: “For Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to be voted Best Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe for 27 consecutive years is a truly remarkable achievement, and it reflects the unwavering support of the travel trade as well as the loyalty of our guests. At the same time, Lokuthula Lodges continues to shine as Zimbabwe’s favourite self-catering facility, highlighting the diversity of our collection. As we expand our offerings with new world-class MICE facilities, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the appeal of Victoria Falls as a destination for both leisure and business travellers.”

The Victoria Falls Safari Collection comprises Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Safari Spa, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, and Queen Nandi Place, all located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate just 4km from the natural world wonder.

Hosted annually, the AZTA Awards are recognised as one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious travel industry accolades, with winners voted for by travel agents across the country.

In the community

Hwange driver convicted for negligent driving

Published

6 hours ago

September 10, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 24-year-old Hwange man has been convicted for negligent driving following an incident that left a pedestrian severely injured.

The hearing took place at the Hwange Magistrates’ Courts, where the National Prosecuting Authority laid out the details of the case against Ndabezinhle Moyo.

On 21 November last year, Moyo was driving a Toyota Hilux along an unnamed road in Phase 4, when he collided with a pedestrian.

According to the prosecution, the vehicle struck the pedestrian with its left view mirror, resulting in a fractured lower limb. The victim was promptly taken to St. Patrick’s Hospital for medical treatment.

The state presented its case against Moyo, highlighting two key points of negligence. First, they argued that Moyo failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, a crucial aspect of safe driving. Second, they contended that Moyo did not take reasonable action to prevent the accident when it became apparent that a collision was imminent.

During the proceedings, Moyo was found guilty as charged. The magistrate imposed a fine of US$600, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the consequences of negligent driving. Alternatively, if Moyo fails to pay the fine, he faces a six-month imprisonment sentence.

Additionally, he was ordered to surrender his driver’s license for endorsement, a decision meant to underscore the gravity of his actions and to encourage safer driving practices in the future.