Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GUTU High School was more than a football venue on Saturday with the dusty pitch throwing 60 young boys a lifeline they had never imagined before.
Africa Mineral Ventures (AMV) committed a staggering US$100 000 per year to pay boarding school fees for young footballers identified during the thrilling Under-16 boys tournament where six schools battled for honours and a place in the AMV scholarship programme.
In the end, it was Rusununguko High School who lifted the trophy, beating Pamushana High School 1-0 in a tense final that had the crowd on its feet from the first whistle to the last.
But the final score was not the biggest story of the day. The real victory belonged to the 60 boys who were selected — 10 from each team — to have their fees paid by AMV.
The selection process was led by legendary youth coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe, a man who has discovered and nurtured some of the country’s finest players.
Chigowe headed a panel that also included former Masvingo United captain Godfrey Dondo and selected sports journalists, who watched every game with a keen eye for talent in its rawest form.
“The talent I have seen here is unbelievable,” said Chigowe.
“I have been in youth football for many years, but what I have seen is special. These boys have raw talent, they have hunger . . . What they have been lacking is opportunity.”
“What AMV is doing is life-changing. US$100 000 a year for school fees, at the very least is not small money. It means these boys can now go to school without stress, they can focus on their books and their football. This is how you build future stars.”
Dondo, who captained Masvingo United with distinction during his playing days, was equally impressed.
“As a former player from this province, I know how hard it is for rural boys to make it. Many talented players from Masvingo failed because they could not afford school fees,” said Dondo.
“AMV has removed that barrier. I am proud to be part of this. These 60 boys must grab this chance with both hands.”
Rusununguko High School coach Eremu Joseph Madzinga, whose team won the tournament, could not hide his joy.
“We are very happy. To win the tournament and to have 10 of our boys selected is a double blessing. This will motivate the whole school,” said Madzinga.
“Our boys played with heart. They fought for every ball. They deserved to win. And now they have been rewarded with scholarships. This is what football should be about.”
Dewure High School were supposed to be the seventh team in the tournament but did not show up, leaving six teams to compete: AMV Gutu High Football Academy, Rusununguko High School, Mutero High School, Alheit Chingombe High School, Mupandawana High School and Pamushana High School.
The quality of football on display was high, with every team producing moments of brilliance.
AMV is not just sponsoring one tournament. The company, which has a team competing in the Eastern Region Soccer League, is building a serious football structure in the country.
It is setting up satellite academies in schools, with AMV Gutu and AMV Rusununguko now fully fledged academies.
And the results are already showing. Two youngsters from the two academies have already gone to Europe on football scholarships courtesy of AMV creating a pathway right from the rural settings to the professional scene.
For the 60 boys selected on Saturday, that pathway is now open.
They will not just get school fees but they will get coaching, mentorship and a chance to dream bigger than their villages.
And with US$100,000 a year behind them, those 60 boys now have a real chance to become the next generation of Zimbabwean football stars.
