Chronicle Editor
Sports Reporter
SIX primary schools will compete in the seventh edition of the Jonah football and netball tournament to be held at Nyabane Primary School in Bulilima on Friday.
South Africa-based businessman Jonathan Ndlovu, who is in the construction industry, is sponsoring the event and has pumped R20 000 as prize money for the annual tournament.
Schools from Mlomwe cluster that will battle it out in the competition are Tshankwa, Bezu, Diba, Phumuza, Mlomwe and hosts Nyabane.
Tshankwa are the defending soccer champions, while Mlomwe won last year’s netball title.
Doctor Mguni, a member of the tournament’s organising committee, said they had invited former footballers to curtain raise the tournament.
“Everyone is looking forward to the competition and we’re grateful to Ndlovu for contributing to the development of sport in the area.
“The schools and community are eagerly waiting for this tournament. It is our hope that some of the athletes might be discovered at a young age and have their talents nurtured.
“The sponsor has invited former footballers so that they feature in an exhibition match and inspire the youngsters,” said Mguni.
The winners of the boys’ tournament will get R5 000, a trophy and playing kit, with the netball champions set to get R3 000, a trophy and playing kit.
“The reason I sponsored this tournament is because our schools rarely go beyond the inter-district games and as such, our kids are not exposed to lots of games. This is my way of giving back to the community.
“There is abundant talent in rural areas and who knows, one or two of these kids might go on to pursue sport as a profession,” Ndlovu said.
Some of the former footballers set to feature include Hebert Dick, Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, Akim Muganyi, Vorster Chitema, Gift Lunga (senior), Bantu Rovers coach Methembe Ndlovu, Mayfield Daka and former Mighty Warriors gaffer Nomsa “Boys” Moyo.
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Bongani Ndlovu
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