Settie Chizimba, MATCH Foundation’s Wizkid
In the heart of the Mtsiliza community, where tennis was a rare sport compared to the other familiar sports, a young boy named Settie Chizimba discovered his unlikely passion. While his peers gravitated toward more common sports, Settie found himself drawn to the rhythmic bounce of tennis balls and the graceful swing of the racket.
When Settie joined the MATCH Foundation, what started as a simple athletic pursuit turned into something far more meaningful. The foundation didn’t just put a racket in his hand but they opened doors to education through their Reading Activity , part of their comprehensive After-school Program. This unique combination of sports and academics lit a fire within Settie that would change the course of his life.
The young athlete channeled this newfound motivation into his studies, particularly as he approached his Standard 8 National Exams. His dedication to come to the stadium and study paid off brilliantly when he earned a desired spot at Bwaila Secondary School, marking a significant milestone in his educational journey. He was among the top 10 national students.
Now, at thirteen, Settie walks the halls of Bwaila Secondary School as a Form 1 student with a clear vision for his future. His eyes light up during Technical Drawing classes, where each precise line and careful measurement brings him closer to his dream of becoming a technical engineer. In his competitive class, Settie’s determination shines through as he consistently ranks among the top ten students.
Between tennis practices and engineering sketches, Settie finds support in the pages of novels. Each book he reads strengthens his command of grammar, adding another layer to his growing collection of skills. Looking back, he wonders at how a simple hobby – playing tennis in a community where the sport was practically unknown – has transformed into a scholarship opportunity through the MATCH Foundation’s Athletic Scholarship program.
For Settie, tennis has become more than just a sport – it’s the compass that gives direction to his life, pointing him toward academic excellence, personal growth, and a future full of promise. In the unlikely setting of Mtsiliza, where tennis players are few and far between, Settie’s story stands as a demonstration to the power of following one’s passion, no matter how unconventional it might seem.
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