Langton Nyakwenda
SOME of the best school football players from Harare Province will showcase their talents at the finals of a new Under-20 tournament in Chitungwiza on Saturday.
Eight high schools, including hosts Seke 1 High, will battle it out for honours at the Young and Great Anti-Drug Substance Abuse Soccer Tournament, which is expected to be graced by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry.
Glen Norah 2, Kuwadzana 1, Domboramwari, St Mary’s, Mt Pleasant, Glen View 2, Harare High and Seke 1 will compete for the ultimate prize.
The eight schools were the winners of the inter district competitions which featured 56 high schools from Harare and the surrounding areas.
The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sport, National Association of School Heads (NASH) and a partner, Young and Great, an organisation that was founded by Tanaka Mashamhanda, with Mashwede Holdings coming in as principal sponsors.
Tanaka is the daughter of businessman Alex Mashamhanda.
“We have launched our initiative with the anti-drug and anti-substance abuse Under-20 football tournament.
“In support of sport, we want young people to be supported sports wise, enabling talent scouting and in the process helping them to use their talents, so that they know through sport they can be occupied and be less tempted by issues like drug abuse,” said Mashamhanda.
The Young and Great Anti-Drug Substance Abuse Soccer Tournament will be a permanent feature on the high schools’ football calendar.
“I have also worked hand in hand, for the tournament, with Christ Embassy Zimbabwe, in raising awareness of the healing streams, live healing services with my man of God Pastor Chris.
“The good thing is the tournament is happening in March when there’s no school football.
“So ,it’s a first of its kind, which means more football for the kids and more time engaging in sport rather than abusing drugs.
“I have always been passionate about young people because of the challenges I faced at an early age, particularly mental challenges, depression, suicide and stuff.”