The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube
Sports Correspondent
FORMER Mighty Warriors coach, Shadreck Mlauzi has penned a physical education textbook that he hopes will change the way the subject is taught at schools and impact positively on local sports.
The book is titled Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” — Physical Education and Sports for Secondary Schools.
The Latin title Anima Sana In Corpore Sano means “a sound mind in a healthy body” when loosely translated into English.
Mlauzi, a physical education teacher, started writing the book last year and submitted it to the curriculum development unit for review and adoption into the educational system. The physical education teacher said the review was complete but is yet to collect the report in Harare.
Mlauzi said after attending an item writing event in 2019, he was challenged to improve the quality of literature in his field.
“I attended a research writing event and I felt was challenged to improve the quality of literature in my area, having observed that most of the previous work was half-baked. I was also inspired by being revolutionary in leading a paradigm shift in our sports thinking as a country. As an Olympian coach, it’s my contribution to the academic field with the hope that I inspire the next generation of coaches who understand the need for sports science for high performance,” he said.
He believes the book will revolutionise not only the teaching of Physical Education in schools but the sports industry. Mlauzi was in charge of the Mighty Warriors when the women’s senior football made history by qualifying for Olympics and were part of the biggest sporting showcase at Rio 2016 in Brazil.
The 340-page book includes chapters on athletic training, application of sports science, sports marketing, patenting and sports administration. He believes it will be a major resource for both learners and teachers while coaches in other fields will find it resourceful.
“I also included great insight of some of my experience at the Olympics book in the 21-chapter book,” said Mlauzi.
He said once he has received the review report, he will consider the recommendations before publishing the book. Mlauzi recently moved to South Africa after being appointed technical director at Vaal Elite Soccer Academy in Vereeniging (south of Gauteng province) although he is awaiting his work permit.
