Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ALLAN Wilson High School were crowned champions of the BetterBrands Challenge Cup after edging Rusununguko High School in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the NASH Under-20 final yesterday.
The two schools could not be separated in regulation time after a goalless draw, forcing the contest into the dreaded penalty lottery, where Allan Wilson held their nerve to secure the title.
Goalkeeper Joshua Bonde was the hero for the Harare side.
Earlier, Chiedza Primary School of Norton defeated Clear Morning Primary School of Mashonaland West in the NAPH Under-14 final to complete a memorable campaign.
The tournament, organised through a partnership involving Better Brands, the Government and ZIFA, is designed to identify and nurture football talent from primary school level through to the senior ranks.
Speaking at the finals, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo said plans were underway to expand the competition to other age groups, including children at Early Childhood Development level.
“The Talent Cup continues to grow and reach the lower age groups because we believe in identifying players while they are still young,” said Minister Moyo.
“We want children to start participating from as early as the Early Childhood Development level so that, by the time they reach the higher age groups, they will already have developed their skills and talent.
“We believe that, through initiatives such as this one, Zimbabwe can qualify for the 2034 FIFA World Cup if we continue identifying and nurturing talent from a young age.
“The talent we have witnessed here is testimony to what we can achieve when the Government and the private sector work together,” said Moyo.
The competition brings together the National Association of Secondary School Heads and the National Association of Primary Heads, providing young players with a platform to showcase their abilities before scouts, coaches and football administrators.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the association wanted to establish a clear development pathway that would allow talented players identified through schools competitions to progress into the national teams.
“We are creating pathways for our talented young people to play football from an early age and progress through all the age groups,” said Magwizi.
“We want to identify them, nurture their talent and draft them into the national teams. When they reach senior level, they should be ready to fulfil their roles in the national team set-ups.”
BetterBrands CEO Fraderick Kunaka said the company’s involvement was part of its commitment to giving back to the communities from which it draws support.
“We undertook this initiative because we benefit from this community and many other communities across the country. It is our way of giving back to the people who support us,” said Kunaka.
“We appreciate the opportunities that have been created for BetterBrands through the policies of His Excellency, the President.
“Those policies have made it possible for the company to grow into what it is today.
“This is also our way of thanking the Government and the communities in which we operate.
“We felt it was important to partner with the Government in supporting the identification and development of young football talent.”
