By Yarin Barrett
GLASSHOUSE Christian College student Uyapo Kombanie has continued his outstanding progress across the sporting and science fields this year.
Uyapo, 18, has capped another outstanding year on the football pitch with selection in the Baringa Football Club men’s team for the Football Queensland Kappa Cup, following on from his inclusion in the Zimbabwe squad for the Australian African Cup of Nations in both 2024 and 2025.
Uyapo said he appreciates the support of his family.
“I thank my parents and siblings for all the sacrifices they have made for my future, without them I wouldn’t be in this position,” he said.
Uyapo’s mother, Primrose Kombanie, said soccer has always been the favourite sport for her son.
“He loves soccer, he’s always loved soccer from when he was a little man,” she said.
Ms Kombanie said her son was inspired to take up the sport by his older brother.
“From a young age, his passion for football drove him to seize every opportunity to play and refine his skills,” she said.
Ms Kombanie said her son has played in the National Premier League competition, competing against elite athletes nationwide.
“It was an experience that ultimately inspired his current pursuit of men’s football, he decided, time wise, it was just too demanding so he focused on the lower leagues, and currently playing for the men’s league, the under-23’s,” she said.
“He’s found his position to be centre back or left back, but loves defending, has always loved defending.”
Ms Kombanie said her son also plays and supports the school teams at Glasshouse Christian College.
“He coaches the younger squads as well,” she said.
“It’s great in that if you love the sport, then you can share the passion.”
Glasshouse Christian College congratulated Uyapo on his achievements and for proudly representing the College and the community, while also being an inspiration for his teammates.
The year 12 student, is matching his sporting success with his science achievements.
Ms Kombanie said, her son was the University of Queensland science ambassador in 2024.
“He a science ambassador, and will be an award recipient for the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Excellence for science this year,” she said.
Ms Kombanie said Uyapo plans on studying physiotherapy next year.
“He had considered sport science and sports psychology and anything sport related, and then decided he’ll start with physio,” she said.
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