adminLangton Nyakwenda
GOALS were galore, powerful serves were delivered and super dunks were on show when hundreds of Salvation Army youths converged at Lord Malvern High School on Heroes Day to commemorate 125 years of the church’s existence. Salvation Army is one of the oldest churches in Zimbabwe and the congregation chose to celebrate the milestone with a tournament dubbed 125 years Celebration Regional Tournament.
Congregants from various townships competed in soccer, netball, basketball and volleyball. The Sunday Mail Religion witnessed Kambuzuma Corps’ dominance in soccer, Mufakose Corps’ superiority in netball and Harare West’s expertise in basketball.
Harare West, Harare East, Greater Harare and Harare Central Divisions each contributed four teams while the other teams came from Chitungwiza and Seke Rural.
Marikopo Corps from Seke surprised many with their resilience in netball but they eventually settled for third position behind eventual winners Mufakose Corps and runners up, Seke L Corps. Harare West Division won the basketball trophy, Harare East clinched gold in girls’ soccer while Dzivaresekwa Extension reigned supreme in volleyball.
“The main purpose of this tournament is to instil good morals in young people and also help them stay away from social ills in the community. “We are celebrating 125 years of Salvation Army existence in Zimbabwe and we have decided to do sports as part of the celebrations,” said Captain Misheck Mushamba, the Harare Central divisional youth officer.
Salvation Army chairman of the Sports Directors Board, Mr Tafadzwa Mavunga was also present and was satisfied with the growing number of participants.
“The debut girls’ soccer competition was one of the major achievements. The games are important to the youth as they enjoy association through fellowshipping together, instilling good behaviour and improving physical fitness,” he said.
Mr Paul Kandeya, a member of the Salvation Army media department described the sports bash as a huge success. Meanwhile, in the Anglican Church, the Harare Diocese League is now in full swing.
The soccer league is in Week 17 and it took a break this weekend to accommodate the prestigious Bishop’s Cup which was held at Ellis Robbins High School yesterday. St Michaels of Mbare won the 2015 Bishop’s Cup after beating St Columbus of Kuwadzana with St Lukes Greendale and St Pauls Highfield scooping third and fourth places respectively.
The Anglican Harare Diocese Church was formed two years ago by Reverend Father Tapiwa Gusha, Mr Farai Hungwe and Mr Lawrence Nyarumwe.
“We need to worship our Lord through sport,” said Mr Tawanda Mutemererwa, the league’s secretary general.
The league has two zones that run concurrently with the top four teams from each region qualifying for a mini league that then determines the overall winner of the Anglican Harare Diocese League title.
Some of the teams in this league are Ruwa, Zimre, Glen Norah, Budiriro, Kambuzuma, Mabvuku, Greendale, Mufakose and Highfield.
All Saints from Chitungwiza and Chikwaka are also part of this league.
In our next instalment, we will dwell on the touching story of Newlife Academy, a church soccer project that has outgrown expectations.
Newlife, who are owned by Apostle Murata, are now playing in the Zifa Division Two League and have on numerous occasions played Zimbabwe football giants Dynamos in friendly matches.
We invite those with church sporting activities to email The Sunday Mail Religious Affairs editor at [email protected] or call 04702442
Online Reporter