All set for ZITF tug-of-war tournament

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

DEFENDING champions Mutare Board and Paper Mills men and Glow Petroleum A women will begin their title defences on Friday following the draw for the 2024 Ingwebu Breweries ZITF Tug-of-War tournament, held on Thursday.

Mutare Board and Paper Mills, who clinched last year’s men’s title after a fiercely contested 2-1 final victory over Bulawayo Metro, are drawn in Group A alongside Amidol, ZETDC Western B, Exide Batteries and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).

Glow Petroleum A, winners of the women’s category, will feature in Group A under the name Glow A, where they will take on CBZ, ZETDC West, and City of Kwekwe.

A total of 19 men’s teams and 14 women’s will compete this year.

In the men’s competition, Group B includes Bulawayo Metro, Black Rhinos, Correctional Lions, CBZ, and NRZ Bulawayo.

Group C features ZETDC Western A, City of Kwekwe, Mimosa, City of Bulawayo, and Transmission West.

Group D brings together Zesa Holdings, FBC, NRZ Gweru, and Mutare City.

In the women’s category, Group B sees BCC, NRZ, Ingwebu Tow Team, and Zesa Holdings face off.

Group C consists of Glow B, Black Rhinos, and Mimosa.

Group D includes Mutare City, Machingura, and Correctional Services.

Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, the ZITF marketing and corporate communications manager, expressed gratitude for the on-going partnership.

“We are grateful to Ingwebu for always making sure this event is a success,” said Nkomo.

Dumisani Moyo from Ingwebu said: “It has always been our priority to be there when this event happens. As Ingwebu, we are proud to be part of this annual event.”

Zimbabwe Tug-of-War Association (ZITOWA) president Njabulo Khumalo praised the long-term support from the sponsors.

“Ingwebu has been sponsoring this event for many years and we are grateful to our sponsors for their continued support. We are hopeful they continue supporting the game,” said Khumalo.

The tournament begins at Gifford High School with knockout rounds and concludes at the ZITF grounds on the final day of the trade expo on Saturday.

Tug-of-War has provided entertainment at the fair since the early 1960s and for almost three decades Wankie dominated the event until teams like Chikurubi and Mutare Board and Paper brought their run to an end.

The sport enjoyed unprecedented popularity in the mines until the early 2000s.