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Blessing Karubwa
IN a remarkable initiative, Brethren In Christ Church Zimbabwe (BICC) is, next month, expected to introduce its football mini-league in a multi-pronged strategy to end drug and substance abuse in the country.
This was revealed last Saturday by the church’s national sports co-ordinator, Reverend Loyd Mac-marry at the 2024 men’s camp, which featured four of the church’s football teams competing against one another at Nyazura, Manicaland province.
The winners, BICC Mtshabezi FC, pocketed US$2 000 after beating BICC Gweru FC 2-0, who received US$1000, while bronze medalists, BICC Wanezi FC, begged US$500 after defeating wooden spoon winners BICC Harare FC 1-0.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub during the event, Rev Mac-marry said the league aims to complement Government’s efforts to end drug and substance abuse in the country.
“After discussing with others, we plan to launch a BICC football league sometime next month.
A meeting will be held right away in the coming days to examine rules, regulations and other administration requirements.
Several teams will compete at the start of the league, possibly in the next month, in order to prepare for the championship game, which will take place at this time next year, with four teams competing against each other as they did today.
“This league serves as an evangelism tool in addition to trying to reduce drug and substance abuse in our nation. Men and young people are at risk of sliding into the drug and substance addiction trap and some have already done so.
As an institution, we have concluded that it is beneficial for us to support the effort to combat this scourge. It’s not only football, but we also have chess, draft among other games that will help keep everyone busy,” he said
The Matabeleland-based Reverend added that youngsters spend most of their time idle, something which he said is one of the chief causes of drug and substance abuse in the country.
In a separate interview, the national men’s Fellowship secretary, Sifelani Ngwenya, said using sport as a medium to preach the gospel to men was a creative and impactful approach that leverages the universal appeal of sports to engage, inspire and unite individuals in their faith journey.
“Sports promote physical and spiritual health, inclusivity, among other factors,” he said.
In another separate interview, Mtshabezi BICC’s head coach who also doubles as a pastor at one of the church’s denominations, Reverend Given Ncube, hailed the idea of introducing a football competition promising peaceful games throughout the race when the league kicks off.
“Our inclusion among the players is excellent. We will give life coaching, preach to all men, young and old and attempt to rescue those who are already involved in drug and substance abuse.
We are bringing back talent and we plan to grow our league significantly. We want to compete nationally, help address the drug and substance abuse problem and spread the gospel of God at the same time,” Ncube said.
Zimbabwe declared drug and substance abuse as a national disaster and swift mitigation measures are being put in place to deal with the escalating problem. As the country is fighting the drug pandemic, sports activities are also playing a vital role.
Sport provide life skills training that gives one resilience against risky and anti-social behaviour
—@TeamKarubwa
Online Reporter