Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
WHAT began as a small community football competition with just six teams is fast becoming one of Bulilima’s most exciting grassroots sporting initiatives.
Now in its second season, the Community Champions League (CCL) has grown to 10 teams and is attracting increasing support from football fans across Ward 1. With bigger crowds, greater community involvement and ambitions to register with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) by 2027, the league is showing the potential of community-driven sport in rural Zimbabwe.
Last Sunday, the competition reached Match Day Four, with three matches played simultaneously across different villages. In a sign of the league’s growth, each home team hosted games on its own community ground.
At Sheilla Grounds, Black Tigers hosted Diba FC. Shining Stars welcomed Gwambe FC at KoMazongo Grounds, while Nyabane FC entertained Flamingos FC at Nyabane Grounds.
The results proved decisive. Nyabane FC recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Flamingos FC, while Diba FC secured a 2-1 win against Black Tigers. Gwambe FC also collected maximum points after defeating Shining Stars 2-0.
The latest round of matches has left Nyabane FC and Diba FC level at the top of the table with nine points each. Delela FC sit third on seven points, followed by Tshankwa United FC on six points and Natane FC on five. Black Tigers FC, Gwambe FC, Sikhathini FC and Flamingos FC are all on four points, while Shining Stars FC remain at the foot of the table with one point.
While the competition on the field continues to intensify, league organisers are equally focused on building a stronger football structure off the pitch.
The CCL executive committee says its long-term vision is to establish a professional and sustainable football league that can eventually operate under the ZIFA umbrella.
However, several challenges stand in the way of that goal.
One of the biggest hurdles is the shortage of trained referees, coaches and football administrators within Ward 1. At present, the league relies heavily on qualified officials from Plumtree, the nearest urban centre. Every match weekend, transport costs must be covered to bring in referees and other football personnel.
To help address the problem, Matabeleland South Referees Instructor Johnson Ndlovu has volunteered his expertise to assist the league.
“CCL has engaged me to assist them on the new football rules and procedures to register a league under ZIFA. I sometimes go to the grounds to identify young people who can train as referees. Anyone from 12 to 22 years can train as a referee. Because CCL is still new, they will also need trained coaches and football administrators,” Ndlovu said.
CCL Referees Coordinator Righton Sibanda believes the solution lies in developing local talent.
He said the league hopes to train young people from within the community so that they can serve as referees, coaches and administrators in future.
Currently, the league has no qualified referees based in the villages and must depend on volunteers from Plumtree.
“That becomes costly for us. Sometimes we end up playing matches without professional referees. That is not fair to the teams. Our wish as the executive is to have our local youth trained in these fields,” he said.
“This will improve the standard of our league and also help families at home. We are asking for sponsorship or donations to train our youth as referees, coaches and administrators. If we do that, we can cut other costs.”
The challenges facing the league extend beyond human resources.
During Match Day Four, it became apparent that some grounds have not yet been properly measured to meet standard football field dimensions. Another noticeable concern was the absence of toilet facilities at all three venues. As attendance continues to grow, basic amenities will become increasingly important for both players and spectators.
Despite these shortcomings, enthusiasm for the league remains strong throughout the community.
Senior Village Head for Jama Village in Nyabane, Mr Moses Luphahla, said football is playing an important role in bringing people together while giving young people something positive to focus on.
“We really need such sporting activities,” Mr Luphahla said. “The games are played every weekend and we are entertained. It is good to see our youth busy with something that builds their future. When young people are on the field, crime rates will go down in our communities.”
The CCL was formed to unite communities through sport and to create opportunities for young people. This year’s competition is running under the theme, “Empowering youth and building communities through sport.”
Headman Somfula officially approved the league in May 2025. Its founders hope football can help keep young people away from drugs, alcohol and substance abuse while promoting physical fitness, mental wellbeing and social development. The league also brings organised football closer to villagers who would otherwise have to travel long distances to watch or participate in the sport.
For many residents, the CCL is no longer just a football competition. It is becoming a source of community pride and a platform for youth development.
With more teams taking part, growing support from local communities and a clear vision for the future, the league has laid a strong foundation. However, achieving its dream of becoming a registered ZIFA league will require investment in training, infrastructure and basic facilities.
The passion is already there. The talent is emerging. Now, league officials hope sponsors, well-wishers and development partners will come on board to help turn the Community Champions League into a lasting success story for Bulilima.
