Memorial cup awarded to Muzi

The Walsall College Andy Higgins Memorial Cup for 2026 has been presented to Muzi Ndebele.  The Skills for Progression student was chosen for showing great determination and commitment to the college’s supported learning football team.

His skills and qualities particularly stood out during the AOC Pan Ability tournament held at St George’s Park in June where the team came 4^th out of the 24 colleges.

Talking about the decision to award Muzi the trophy, lecturer, Ami Evans explained that he ‘showed exactly what football is all about’.

“In every game, he never gave up on the ball,” she said.  “His determination and commitment were there for everyone to see, constantly chasing, putting opponents under pressure and his work paid off with some cracking goals, giving us all some memorable moments to celebrate.

“For his outstanding work ethic, behaviour, attitude and performance – which is what football is all about – it is a fitting tribute that his name will be added to the trophy this year.”

The Andy Higgins Memorial Cup was launched in 2025 in memory of a former lecturer and integral member of Walsall College’s Supported Learning team. Each year the cup will recognise an individual whose attitude, commitment and character reflect the qualities Andy himself would have admired in a player — dedication, teamwork, resilience, and respect.

Muzi’s name is now featured in the trophy ribbon with the trophy on display at the college for all to see.

Thuba Ndebele, Muzi’s mother said that he had been thrilled to win the cup.

“Muzi doesn’t say a lot about how he is doing at the college, but when he received the trophy, he was so happy, he couldn’t stop talking about it and sharing the news on his socials,” she said.

“Football has been a passion for him for most of his life.  It’s where the best version of himself comes through, both as a player, coach and team manager.

“His dad and I are proud of him and hope to see him do well again as a student next year.”

Muzi was part of AVFC’s Foundation growing up and he has played in mainstream FA junior leagues in Division 1 of Birmingham, Walsall and Staffordshire leagues where he helped his teams win league titles.  He also won the top goalscorer’s award while playing for Shelfield FC’s junior teams.

Muzi’s career seemed to be going well until an untimely injury where he broke his knee patella in a final league deciding match. This injury appeared to have taken a lot of confidence from him.

Coming back from the injury, he has not been the tearaway striker who used to score 25-30 goals per season. However, his love for football and determination cannot be questioned.

In Year 11, Muzi spent two weeks training at the Inter Millan academy in Italy.  He is currently a qualified FA Level 6 referee and plays in the under 18 football league.