Yarona FM recognises ex-Zebras' stars

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Monday October 11, 2010 00:00

 

Station manager Dumi Lopang said every year during their birthday celebrations, they also give to charity as part of the event and that this year they had chosen retired players for the top honours.

He said since retired players have just formed a committee, they came up with the initiative to help create awareness and hope that after the event, some benefactor would come forward and sponsor them. Lopang said they also used the event as a marketing tool.

Lopang said a lot of attention has always been in the current Zebras and the station thought they should shift the focus to the old ones who sink into oblivion upon retirement.

He said it was also an opportunity for them to bring such old players together after many years of separation. Lopang said their intention is always to make a difference in other people's lives.

'Yarona [FM] is not just about broadcasting, it is also about changing people's lives'. Lopang said they believe in the biblical adage that blessed is the hand that gives'.  Lopang said a lot of nasty things had been said about the youthful station and that they thought they should do something positive in their community to redeem their image.

'It is our opportunity to show people that young people can also be responsible and make a change in their communities,' Lopang said.

Speaking at the same event, former player Matshidiso 'Saxton' Kowa thanked Yarona FM for giving them a chance to get together. Kowa took attendants down memory lane of their playing days. He said they played football at the time when things were tough but were committed to the game. He said during those days, they could walk to training sessions.

Kowa wondered why today's players are not committed to the game when they have everything. Kowa, who retired from playing at the age of 39, also expressed concern that current players retire at an early age.

Kowa also encouraged television sports presenters to always invite retired players to analyse games, as that will add interest to the game rather than having current players as analysts.