FORMER Mighty Warriors midfielder Ennie Konje’s dream of setting up an academy and helping transform the lives of women in football is nearing fruition following intervention by the National Aids Council (NAC).
The ex-defensive link, who played with big names such as Rose Mugadza, Nomsa “Boys” Moyo, and Precious “Gringo” Mpala, to name just a few, has her stars to thank for leading her to Chinhoyi, where there was a journalists workshop.
She is now coaching at Harare City Women and would normally have been in Harare for her routine training sessions.
But, luckily, she acceded to a request to be one of the key speakers at the three-day NAC Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe (Swaz) HIV and Aids workshop at Chinhoyi University of Technology Hotel.
A touching moment ensued during the question-and-answer session when a delegate asked Konje what she had to show for her efforts during her heydays.
“I do not have a car, neither do I have a house, but I’m grateful that I have a family that I call my own,” the former Mighty Warrior responded.
“My dream is to start an academy so that I can help our current and future stars on the basics of life that include making investments, staying clear of drugs and substance abuse, and early marriages, among other social ills confronting our women today.”
Lady Luck might have smiled at her, and it’s never too late for one to pursue their dream.
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A NAC representative asked Konje to put in writing her business proposal.
Meanwhile, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Marian Chombo, in a speech read on her behalf, said sports journalists have a unique role of taking the news to a wider section of the country’s population, who are largely sports fanatics.
“Journalists have always been part of the multi-sectoral response to HIV, always stimulating open and vibrant public debate about issues that underpin HIV and Aids, including gender relations, social inequalities and resource allocation as well as education,” she said.
“Sports journalists, therefore, have a role in infusing HIV and Aids news and information, including risk perception and utilisation of both prevention and treatment services within your regular reports to galvanise national attention towards epidemic control.
“Our people generally love sports and either play or follow one sport or more. Sports journalists, therefore, are an important partner in reaching millions of our people with key messages on HIV and related morbidities.”
Swaz chairperson Farayi Machamire expressed gratitude to NAC for organising a media workshop focused on HIV and Aids, which he described as crucial.
“As sports reporters, we hold a unique position in society, one that allows us to influence public opinion and raise awareness on critical issues through the power of sports,” he said.
“The fact that NAC has recognised the role we can play in contributing towards ending Aids by 2030 is not only a testament to the importance of our profession, but also a call to action for us to leverage our platforms to drive meaningful change.
“This workshop provides an invaluable opportunity to update ourselves on the latest developments in the fight against HIV and related conditions. It also allows us to explore how sports can be a powerful tool in this fight — whether through the stories we tell, the events we cover, or the athletes we profile. We have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of millions.”
The workshop was attended by Swaz members drawn from different media houses and online publications.
