All eyes on Gifford as schools battle for national soccer glory

Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub

TWELVE of Bulawayo’s top high schools will collide in a high stakes soccer showdown at Gifford High this Friday, each team chasing the single golden ticket to represent the province at the Nash Under 20 National Finals in Masvingo.

The National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) Under 20 Soccer Championships are expected to bring Gifford High to life, as schools bring their best talent for what promises to be a thrilling day of football.

The competing schools are Mpopoma, Emganwini, Riverdale, Sobukhazi, Founders, Magwegwe, Maranatha, Amhlophe, Pumula, Milton, Mzilikazi and Sikhulile. Only one of them will advance to the national finals.

Although the matches will be held at Gifford, Founders High is the official host. Gifford was selected as the match venue due to its better pitch availability.

The 12 teams will be split into three groups of four. Group winners will proceed to the semi-finals, where they’ll be joined by the best runner up to complete the final four.

Defending champions Mpopoma, have been placed in Group A, alongside Emganwini, Riverdale and Sobukhazi. They’ll open their title defence against Emganwini.

Group B features Founders and Magwegwe, while Pumula, Milton, Mzilikazi and Sikhulile will battle it out in Group C.

Cain Ncube, the headmaster in charge of soccer for Bulawayo Province, confirmed that all was in place for the tournament.

“I am excited with the upcoming tournament where we will expose talent, promote fitness. All qualifying schools have confirmed their attendance, and we are eagerly anticipating an exciting and lively competition,” said Ncube.

Mpopoma, who also hold the Under 17 title, are considered strong favourites and will be the team to beat. Their dominance in school sports in recent years makes them a formidable opponent.

The Nash Games continue to play a key role in sports development across the country.

Many footballers, who went on to shine at club and national level were first spotted at this level and polished into stars.

This tournament gives young players a rare opportunity to impress scouts and coaches, showcase their raw talent and dream bigger.

With bragging rights and a place in the national finals at stake, Friday’s action promises passion, drama and the kind of schoolboy football that draws crowds and sparks careers.