Branton Matondo
Shadreck Mlaudzi, well known in the football realms for leading the Mighty Warriors to their maiden Olympic games in 2016 at Rio de Jenairo, Brazil is pushing to change physical education and sporting science curriculums in primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions, a project that is already on its foot.
Physical education and sport has been epitomized by ministries in charge of different educational structures from primary, secondary and tertiary as noted by their inclusion in curricular and learning programmes.
The former Mighty Warriors gaffer who is based in Bulawayo told this publication that both physical education and sport science are key to each and every educational structure hence the move to modernize it for the better.
“Physical exercise and literacy is a lifelong healthy habit which will ultimately lead to reduced medical bills in families and the country. Physical education is the base of all national sporting aspirations. It is the springboard for TI (Talent Identification). Through physical education and sports at schools, critical foundations for sports, basic motor functions are embedded which shape professional sports.
“Sport science has emerged as the leading branch of sports performance. It informs and guides models, decision making and in a nutshell, benchmarks have been set by leading nations such as USA, China and South Africa,” said Mlaudzi.
Mlaudzi has already published a piece of sporting literature dubbed ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano: Physical Education & Sports For Secondary Schools’ that is the first of its kind to prepare students for sport science related examinations.
The 21 chaptered book narrows down on sporting technical insights that are supported by Blooms Taxonomy (structured typically of CAMBRIDGE/ZIMSEC style).
According to Mlaudzi, the book is categorized into 10 classes that are Foundations of Sports, Body Systems and Performance, Fundamentals of Fitness, Testing, Measuring and Evaluation, Training Methods, Training Programme, Game skills, Sports Clubs and Patenting and finally event management.
He added that the book is available at established literature centers across the country also pointing out that reception of his work has been good so far as it seeks to achieve the leveled goal.
“The book is massive, it equips one with knowledge and understanding of physiological differences between men and women, the difference in mental faculties with huge bearing in coaching. The target is all secondary schools, tertiary institutions as trainers of teachers. Yes, the response has been slow but good. The book is available at Macedonia projects and Heritage Bookshops nationwide,” he added.
The literature covers four sporting codes which is unique in the way it imparts knowledge.
“The book is set out to be the first of its kind in which content coverage is structured to impart new attitudes, values and knowledgeable young learners who in turn value the importance of sports science in elite athlete training and at grassroots levels. ASICS is the premier and ultimate resource book that will aid the learner, teacher, sports practitioners and health practitioners invest less time on research as material brings a breath of fresh air into the teaching methods and approaches to athletic training. The stand out feature of this textbook, is the depth coverage of game skills. Its unique and compelling detail of sampling four sports codes in each game skill sets it apart,” he said.
Mlaudzi who divorced from coaching since 2017 said he will only resume with the trade when a lucrative offer comes.
“When the right offer comes, I will gladly assume responsibilities. Ambitious clubs can always come through for negotiations,” added the former teacher.
