Online Reporter
Stanford Chiwanga, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S junior football scene will come alive this morning when the fourth edition of the Master Masiku Under-12 Football Tournament kicks off at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, with the first matches scheduled for 9am.
What began as a modest initiative to honour one of the city’s football greats has now grown into one of the most important junior competitions on the local calendar. This year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, thanks to strong backing from Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR) and Budget Cash & Carry, who have stepped in to support the tournament’s logistics and overall organisation. Corporate 24 will provide medical staff, with an ambulance on standby in case of any emergencies.
Although the exact amount of sponsorship has not been revealed, organisers have confirmed that this is the highest level of financial support the competition has received since its inception four years ago — a sign of growing confidence in grassroots football development.
A total of eight teams will take part, showcasing some of the finest young talent in Bulawayo and beyond. The line-up includes Mountain Climbers Academy, Achazia Academy, Tshabalala Warriors, Victory Queens FC, Brazilian Soccer Academy, Lobengula United and hosts Young Flying Stars Soccer Academy (YFSSA), who will field two teams to underline both their depth and commitment to nurturing emerging players.
The tournament is named after Master Masiku, a respected football figure whose playing days left a lasting mark on the local game. Masiku turned out for Railstars, Highlanders and the Zimbabwe national team, earning admiration for his skill, discipline and passion for the sport.
YFSSA director Collen Nyambiya spoke passionately about the legacy the tournament seeks to preserve, describing Masiku as a symbol of what young players should aspire to become.
“Master Masiku has now evolved into a coach and he is part of YFSSA. When he was still a player he was not just a talented footballer, he was a complete sportsman who understood discipline, hard work and respect for the game. This tournament is our way of keeping his spirit alive and giving young players a platform to dream,” said Nyambiya.
Nyambiya believes the competition has grown into more than just a weekend of football. For him, it represents a pathway — a starting point for players who may one day follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.
“When these boys and girls step onto the field, they are not just playing matches.
“They are learning what it means to be part of something bigger, to represent their teams and their communities. That is how careers begin,” he said.
There is also a strong sense that this year’s improved sponsorship will help lift the overall standard of the event, from organisation to player welfare and matchday experience.
“We are grateful to BBR and Budget Cash & Carry for believing in what we are doing. Their support shows that people are starting to realise the importance of investing in grassroots football. Without that foundation, the future of the game becomes uncertain,” said Nyambiya.
Grassroots tournaments such as the Master Masiku Under-12 competition play a crucial role in shaping the future of football. At this level, the focus goes beyond winning.
It is about teaching young players the fundamentals — ball control, positioning, teamwork and discipline — while also helping them understand the values that come with the sport.
In Zimbabwe, where structured youth development systems are still evolving, such platforms are vital.
They give young players an opportunity to compete in a structured environment, to test themselves against different styles of play, and to catch the eye of coaches and scouts who are always looking for the next generation of talent.
Equally important is the social impact. Football provides a positive outlet for young people, keeping them engaged, focused and inspired. It builds confidence, encourages teamwork and instils a sense of purpose — qualities that extend far beyond the pitch.
Nyambiya sees the tournament as a small but meaningful piece of a much larger puzzle.
“We want to build players who are ready for the future — not only as footballers but as individuals. If we can guide them properly at this age, then we are already winning, regardless of the results on the day,” he said.
As the teams prepare to take to the Hartsfield grounds, there is a growing buzz around what promises to be an exciting day of football. Parents, coaches and supporters are expected to turn out in numbers, creating an atmosphere that reflects the passion Bulawayo has always had for the beautiful game.
For the young players, it will be a day filled with nerves, excitement and opportunity — a chance to play, to learn and to be seen.
For the organisers, it is another step forward in building a lasting legacy.
