H-Metro
H-Metro Reporter
ORGANISERS of the 12th Chipaz Bhora Tournament say the annual football and musical extravaganza is growing in leaps and bounds with each passing year.
Although it was started as a get-together event for musicians and soccer legends, the tournament has become a charitable event whose proceeds are changing lives of the less privileged.
This year’s edition returns on April 1 at DZ Stadium.
Speaking to H-Metro, chief coordinator and founder, Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza said:
“When we started this thing, the doubting Thomases were convinced that we wouldn’t make it.
“As a resilient person working with a dedicated team, I continued with my vision until the thing became popular.
“We are glad that many people now understand our vision that we are not only doing this for fun but we hope to assist and change the less privileged people’s lives.”
Chipaz said he was glad that the corporate world, and some churches, were now backing their vision.
“It can’t ask for more when you see a number of corporates coming on board while churches like Christ Embassy are also backing us.
“It clearly shows that they do understand our vision and everything that we want to achieve.
“We have been assisting orphanages, sick artists and the poor with some of the proceeds generated through this imitative.”
Chipaz said he was still open for more partners to come on board.
“To be honest, I can’t make it alone and I will always leave the door open for new partners to assist us.
“We have been working with various partners over the years and this will not stop us from doing the same.
“I also welcome fresh ideas to help us improve our annual event.”
Meanwhile, preparations for the event, which is set to coincide with Freeman’s homecoming party in Dzivaresekwa, are well on course.
The Sungura and Zim dancehall soccer teams, which are set to take part in the 2023 Chipaz Bhora Tournament, will start training next week.
Zimpapers FC will play against Christ Embassy FC while UZ Legends Vigilance FC are set to take on Drunkards FC.
Sungura musicians will also square up against their Zim dancehall artists in the match of the day.
After the soccer matches, an all-night musical gala will be held at the same venue. Freeman, who won two gongs at the recently held National Arts Merit Awards, will be making his return to the ghetto where he started his music career.
Remington Gold, Bike Delivery, Luxe interior, Autohitch Motors and Primus Energy are some of the sponsors behind the event.
