Online Reporter
Emmanuel Katsamudanga
CHEGUTU East Constituency vibrated with energy recently, not just with the festive spirit of the season, but with the roar of enthusiastic crowds celebrating the inaugural Josiah Magama Tongogara Tournament.
Held to coincide with the 46th anniversary of the death of the revered ZANLA Commander on December 26, 1979, the tournament was a heartfelt tribute and the brainchild of the area’s National Assembly Member, Cde Webster Shamu.
The event saw a massive turnout, with 12 teams from all the constituency’s wards participating.
The sporting spectacular featured eight teams battling it out in soccer across the under 15s, under 17s, seniors, and ladies’ categories, while four teams vied for supremacy in netball. Each category was fiercely contested, with teams fighting for the coveted winner’s trophy, silver and gold medals, and substantial prize money.
The tournament was graced by the presence of traditional leaders, Chief Chivero, in whose area the games were held, and Chief Ngezi. Their endorsements highlighted the event’s significance beyond sport.
Chief Chivero welcomed the initiative, stating, “This tournament is a welcome development as it keeps the youths busy thereby taking them away from drug and substance abuse and committing crimes.”
Chief Ngezi echoed this sentiment, emphasising the practical benefits of sports.
“Sport is now an employment and we want to thank Hon Shamu and we hope this will be held annually as it will reduce youth delinquency. Sport also reduces stress to both participants and spectators as well.”
Before the games began, Hon Shamu addressed the eager participants, giving a brief and inspiring history of General Tongogara.
“The late General Tongogara was born on the 4th of February 1940 in Shurugwi. He was the commander during the liberation struggle and he was a strategist who gave direction in the execution of the war.”
Hon Shamu then shared a more personal anecdote, revealing the commander’s passion for the beautiful game: “Tongogara loved soccer passionately and he was given a nickname ‘Nyenga Nyenga’ because of his dribbling skills.”
He concluded by encouraging the players to embody the General’s spirit: to play with zeal and discipline.
In a generous gesture, all 12 participating teams were presented with brand-new sports kits, vibrantly branded with the Josiah Magama Tongogara Tournament logo and the commander’s face, adding a sense of pride and unity to the competition. The motivation for competing went beyond the pitch.
Character Ndoro from the Ward 19 girls’ soccer team expressed the social benefit, noting that sports helps in “taking away girls from alcohol and prostitution.” Similarly, Pride Gota, captain of the Ward 16 Senior Men’s team, was grateful to Hon. Shamu, highlighting how sport helps mentally as one spends time “thinking about sport instead of drugs.”
The tournament kicked off with the energetic under 15s tie, followed by the under 17s, the captivating girls’ soccer matches, and finally, the highly anticipated senior men’s soccer event. Action swung from one pitch to the next, with the youngsters showcasing impressive skills and competitive spirit.
The men’s soccer category proved to be intensely balanced, with all matches eventually being decided by the dreaded penalty shoot-out, leaving dreams momentarily shattered for the runners-up. The youthful determination of Ward 26 under 15s saw them overcome Ward 19 to clinch the gold medal, while Ward 13 lifted the coveted under 17s trophy.
Individual excellence was also recognised, with the tournament’s best players for both men’s soccer and netball receiving a special floating trophy and prize money.
Addressing the participants and spectators at the conclusion of the event, Hon Shamu officially declared the tournament an annual fixture.
“The Josiah Magama Tongogara Tournament will be held annually in the following categories: Under 15s, under 17s and seniors for both men’s and women’s soccer and netball.
“Josiah Magama Tongogara was a brave and disciplined cadre who hated lies, corruption and indiscipline . . . We want you to have the same qualities as him.”
He clarified that this tournament is a third, distinct event, not intended to replace the existing annual Independence and Heroes trophies. Finally, he reiterated the core values the tournament seeks to foster: The inaugural Josiah Magama Tongogara Tournament was a resounding success, bringing people from all walks of life together to enjoy high-stakes matches while celebrating the legacy of a national hero.
It cemented a new tradition in Chegutu East, promising a future of reduced youth delinquency, stress relief, and the cultivation of local sporting talent.
