WHILE most students shun extra curricula activities, a third year student in the school of mines at the University of Zambia (UNZ) has taken rugby not only as an extracurricular activity but also as a part time profession. He has advised his fellow youths to be creative and innovative, make good use of their talents and balance it with school. WHILE most students shun extra curricula activities, a third year student in the school of mines at the University of Zambia (UNZ) has taken rugby not only as an extracurricular activity but also as a part time profession.
Evans Simpemba, 22, is a single orphan who started playing rugby at the age of 16 years. Unlike other youths who have decided to roam the streets all in the name of unemployment, Evans has taken up rugby sport seriously. Through this sport, Evans has managed to see himself through school to university.
“Although I am on 75 percentage bursary scheme from government, I manage to raise raise 25 percentage of this fee from playing rugby,” he explains.
Evans plays for Red arrows, a team are under the sponsorship of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
In an interview with the Lusaka Star, former Red Arrows Coach Noble Sinkamba, says Evans is a well rounded young man with extra ordinary talent and he has never ceased to amaze him.
He further adds that Evan's skills and talents have soared throughout 2010 as his cunning prowess helped the Red Arrows team win multiple games and several tournaments as well as the league.
Evans has won over twenty medals including the most discplined annual award in 2010 and in 2009 he was awarded the best sportsman.
He has played over 100 local games and 10 at national level of which he has won over 90 games in total.
Amongst the games he played are the Buildcon , Africa cup 7s Mombosa, Heroes 7s run ups and the most recent is the Copperfields Super Eight Rugby championship of which they won the league.
Evans plays the positions of centre, winger and full back.
He also coaches the University of Zambia Ruby team when he is called upon or in his free time.
Joyce Zulu, a friend to Evans says she is proud of him especially that he has not only proved his talent but also has the leadership skills as he was elected Vice Captain for Red Arrows in 2011.
She says Evans also played in the 2010 Zambia Senior National Ruby team in the confederation African Ruby held in Cameroun which he was the youngest player.
Evans plans on setting up a business that will not only make more profits for him but also create employment for the youths.
He has advised his fellow youths to be creative and innovative, make good use of their talents and balance it with school.
For Evans, waiting for a white collar job is a hindrance to ones success and development of talent.