Unsung Heroes - Sam Ncube

A few very important and  interesting things you  did not know about the special man, have been added to this incredible account of an outstanding man.

 

In the last edition to thank one man of honour and hard work, who I described as a man who oozed football, I expressed how honoured it is to know and work with Sam Ncube. 

 

Sam Ncube was not the owner, as many people believed, of East Rovers FC of Pumula. He was however the founder member of the club in 1980 and played for East Rovers FC for over 10 years.  Ncube was the coach from 1992 until 2006.

 

Sam became the sole sponsor of the club and for a long time. He was also Patron of the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (Bulawayo Province) as well for 5 years.

 

The humility and warm heart of this gentlemen makes you very proud because of his frank and honesty when he deals with people even in disagreements. His passion for football and business amazed many people. During casual meetings in football offices and streets, he volunteered to attend a coaching course I was conducting, which he completed with flying colours. Actually, Ncube holds FIFA and FA Coaching Certificates.

 

Sam Ncube is also the founder member of the Peter Ndlovu Youth Tournament. He served as the Treasurer for 12 years. He had to juggle with, that among other things, the position of Secretary of the Junior League Football, the position he held between 1992 and 1999. 

 

As Patron of Coaches Association, Sam was so supportive and willing to help, offering his offices for the Coaches Association weekly meetings. Ncube was a very vocal advocate for junior football in all programs that the coaches had, naturally because of his involvement with junior football. He always talked development and was instrumental in maintaining the junior football structures. He wanted proper running of leagues and discipline to be maintained at all times.

 

Bekezela Ndiweni, after completing his schooling, joined this East Rovers in Pumula East, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He worked with Sam Ncube, the owner of Bulawayo Tyre Services. This man is a cut above many. There is no boy/man from East Rovers in particular and many from Pumula in general who was not taken care of by Ncube. Even those who are rich now have their blessings through this man.

 

Among the most popular people who worked with Sam is Oscar 'Waruna' Ncube, a former Highlanders FC speedy dribbling wizard. Oscar and friends were groomed to be business people of note by this man. He is a business man of note, leading a number of bodies fighting for the plight of their rights.

 

At the peak of that team, there was a ladies soccer team, volleyball team played for by Lovemore Thabani Dube (Chronicle Sports Editor). He also sponsored some athletes and some motor racing. There a guy who used to be a motor racing driver. He was called Eddie and he was disabled.

 

I will never forget such commitment of a soft-spoken humble man who was spot-light shy. He remains the Life President of East Rovers, with a less football role.