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Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
MZILIKAZI Juniors emerged victorious in the second edition of the Johannes Ngodzo Under-15 football tournament held at the weekend.
The event featured four teams, Bulawayo Tigers, Oasis Nguboyenja, Real Stars and eventual champions Mzilikazi Juniors.
Played in a round-robin format, Mzilikazi Juniors won all three matches to lift the trophy. They began with a 1-0 victory over Real Stars, followed by a 2-0 win over Oasis Nguboyenja and a 2-1 triumph over Bulawayo Tigers.
Mzilikazi Juniors accumulated nine points to claim the top spot, while Real Stars finished second with four points.
The tournament continues today, with the same teams participating in the Under-17 category.
The Johannes Ngodzo Tournament is a legacy of the former Warriors midfielder, who rose to fame through the Highlanders junior ranks.
Ngodzo had an illustrious career, earning numerous accolades, including the Player of the Year award at 15, and several league titles with Highlanders.
Injury in national team colours in 2003 brought his career to a sudden halt.
Although his career was cut short by injury, Ngodzo continues to contribute to the development of young footballers through the annual tournament.
He is the head coach at Adachi FC in the Zifa Southern Region League.
“I am thrilled by the level of talent on display from the Under-15 teams. These young players have a bright future and it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch them in action. The skill, the pace, the passion has all been on show, and I couldn’t be more impressed,” said Ngodz
“What I’ve been most impressed by is the way the players conducted themselves on and off the pitch. They’ve shown a level of discipline, respect, and sportsmanship that is essential for success in football. I do not doubt that some of these young players will go on to achieve great things in the game.
“I’m now looking forward to the Under-17 tournament, which promises to be just as exciting. I’m expecting to see even more skill and tactical awareness from the players, and I’m confident that we’ll unearth some new talent. It’s going to be a fantastic competition, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.
“I believe that tournaments like this are essential for the development of young footballers in Zimbabwe. They provide a platform for players to gain experience, to test themselves against other top players, and to learn from their mistakes. I’m proud to be playing a small part in helping to nurture the next generation of Zimbabwean footballers.”
Ngodzo Annual Football Tournament Results
Bulawayo Tigers 2 -0 Oasis Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi Juniors 1-0 Real Stars Academy, Oasis Nguboyenja 0-2 Mzilikazi Juniors, Bulawayo Tigers 1-1 Real Stars, Real Stars 2 – 0 Oasis Nguboyenja, Bulawayo Tigers 1-2 Mzilikazi Juniors
-@innocentskizoe
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