shloboe boe
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
YOUTHS in Matabeleland South have applauded the Vice-President KCD Mohadi Sports Tournament, describing it as a vital platform for nurturing their talents and opening doors to potential careers in sport.
The inaugural soccer and netball tournament was held over the weekend at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda. Organised by the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Youth League, the event celebrates Vice President Mohadi’s lifelong commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
The two-day event featured 12 soccer and netball teams representing the province’s 12 constituencies.
Ronald Shawa, who was named man of the match in the soccer final, expressed gratitude for the tournament, saying there is a need for such platforms to showcase and sharpen skills.
“As a youth in sports, I’m glad this tournament gives us the chance to display and refine our talents.
Platforms like these are rare, and I hope the tournament becomes an annual event. Being the first soccer player to win man of the match is a great honour and motivates me to work harder,” he said.
Netball captain, Karen Nkomo, from Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency shared similar sentiments, highlighting the lack of opportunities for rural girls to excel in sport.
“Many girls in rural areas have immense potential in netball but lack the platforms to develop their skills. Winning this tournament with my team is a testament to our hard work and dedication. We are grateful to the organisers and Vice President Mohadi for creating this opportunity,” said Nkomo.
Aboite Bvunge, a member of the Gwanda South soccer team, noted that competing for prize money inspires youths to approach sports professionally.
“This tournament shifts us from casual social matches to professional sports. It would be great to see more disciplines introduced in the future,” he said.
The winning soccer and netball teams, Gwanda Tshitaudze, each received R175 000, while the runners-up, Gwanda South, were awarded R90 000.
Matabeleland South National Assembly youth quota representative, Cde Tinashe Mushipe, encouraged youths to seize the opportunity provided by the tournament to build careers in sport.
“This tournament starts at the grassroots level, ensuring that talent is identified early and nurtured to provincial and national levels. It is also a significant step in combating drug and substance abuse, among the youth,” said Cde Mushipe.
The Vice-President K.C.D. Mohadi Sports Tournament, which began at the ward level in May last year, is set to become an annual event, further solidifying its role in talent development and youth empowerment. — @DubeMatutu
