The Sunday News
Sisa Sihwa, Sports Reporter
A GOLDEN opportunity has once again fell on Enrique “Ricci” Ndlovu’s lap to ply his trade in the Slovakian league after having been invited for trials for the second time.
Ndlovu (19) is set to make yet another trip to the Slovakia-based club in January next year.
As Trencin is a football club that plays in the Slovak Super Liga which is the top flight league in Slovakia and the side last won league title in 2010-11 season campaign.
“I will be travelling to Slovakia in January for the final negotiations and completion of my trial course with the club which showed great interest in my talent,” Ricci said.
Ndlovu, who is a product of the Trapster Academy based in Bulawayo, was firstly invited for trials at AS Trencin in August for a three-month trial period.
The teenager got an invitation to the Slovakia-based club through a football agent Juras Venglos, who identified him through his former coach and mentor at Talen Vision, a Southern Region Division One side, before taking a coaching job in Hungary.
Impressed by his performance the club had him return to Zimbabwe before his three-month trial period was complete to seek a permit that will enable him to play in Slovakia.
“I was first called up for trials by AS Trencin in August and had to return home (Zimbabwe) after training with the club for three weeks to obtain a police clearance and apply for a work permit that will enable me to play in the Slovakian league. This was a clear sign that the club had interest in me,” Ndlovu told Sunday Life in an interview.
Ricci said he feels privileged about having another opportunity to seal the deal with AS Trencin side.
“I feel very honoured and grateful for having this opportunity because it is difficult for many footballers to make it as professional players because it took hard work, dedication and a lot sacrifices to be where I am now,” he said.
However, Ndlovu said the journey in his career has not been easy but his family showed him support.
“My parents and siblings have been the backbone of support since the beginning of my career. I have always turned to them for motivation and sound advice and my success is largely owed to them,” he said.
Ricci who is an attacking midfielder featured in the Zimbabwe Under-17 Cosafa championships that were held in Mauritius and also played in the Zimbabwe Afcon Under-20 qualifiers against Cameroon and Botswana last year. -@J_sihwa
