Former Banyana Banyana star, Khabo Zitha was recently honoured by the Department of Correctional Services for contributing to the growth of sports in prisons.
The retired striker, Khabo Zitha was named the Sports Woman of the Year 2022 by the Correctional Services at the Zonderwater Management Area for her involvement and work in sport and recreation in prisons.
Khabo Zitha, who was a great player during her days has been worked as a Prison Officer and involved in sports and recreation in prisons since 2008.
The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies star currently leads the Department of Correctional Services Gauteng team and the Department of Correctional Services National team as the head coach.
Her brother, who shares the same workplace with her was present and received the award on her behalf as Zitha was unable to receive the award in person.
A JOYFUL KHABO ZITHA COMMENTS
Winning this award brought nothing but joy and gratitude to the Banyana Banyana legend.
“When I got home, my brother was on his way out, and he handed me a big trophy, and I was like, ‘What! Such a big trophy’. And he gave me a brown envelope, and I had goosebumps, and I was so excited,” she said.
“It felt like old times when I was still playing when I would get awards for having good performances on the field.
“It is such a good feeling; even now I’m still in awe. I’m now motivated to do more.”
One of Zitha’s dreams is to see some of the convicts that she coaches in prisons go on to play in professional leagues.
She believes that this will minimise criminal activities committed by ex-convicts in communities, as they will have something to do with their lives when they get out of prison.
“I want to see the very same offenders, when they are released (from prison), to be able to get teams and make a living,” added Zitha.
“Because they are so talented, some of them, deserve to play in the PSL. They very are talented.”
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