Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE Social Football Association (MUSFA) – a vibrant and professionally-run social football league for teams in the eastern border city – set aside their normal league fixtures to host a midseason wellness gala in which 18 of their affiliates converged at Mutare Boys’ High Grounds for an exciting inaugural edition of the MUSFA Wellness Gala.
The wellness gala, held under the theme: ‘Embracing and promoting interaction through sport’, was a resounding success as people from different walks of life thronged the serene Mutare Boys’ High School Grounds for a typical family time out.
In the semi-finals, Border Pirates lost 2-4 to City Vendors on penalties, while Mercenaries got the better of ZRP 4-2 on penalties too, both matches having ended nil-all.
In the third place play-off, Border Pirates claimed the scalp of ZRP 2-1, while the same scoreline carried the day for City Vendors, as they continued their giant killing act, getting the better of Mercenaries.
Telone FC, Border Pirates FC, Mercenaries FC, City Vendors FC, Romeo’s FC, Redwing FC, Sawale FC, Toronto FC, ZRP FC, Real Stars FC, Eastern Bullets FC, Tapi Tapi FC, Legends FC, Igwe All Stars, Holiday Inn FC, Studytrade FC, Musika Stars FC, Remzy FC, make up the list of teams that took part in the competition.
Two teams that are MUSFA affiliates, but did not participate are Socco Golden Stars and Green Stars FC. In his prize presentation speech, guest of honour, Manicaland Provincial Recreation and Sports Development Committee chairperson, Peter Dumbropolous, said: “We must therefore make every effort to build families where people can talk to one another, support one another and intervene when someone is facing challenges. This is where social football becomes particularly powerful.
“Let us create football clubs where players can encourage one another to make responsible choices. The abuse of drugs and harmful substances is one of the greatest threats to the wellbeing and future of our communities.
“We cannot leave this responsibility to the Government alone. We cannot expect the police alone to solve the problem. It requires a partnership. Football associations such as MUSFA have a unique role to play because they already have access to communities.”
In an interview, MUSFA Gala Committee chairperson, Brian Chibwana, said: “I am just thankful for the successful hosting of an incident free two-day gala. I am deeply indebted to the partners that came through in these difficult times and the individuals who sacrificed to make this a success.
“I would like to thank the 18 teams that participated and congratulate the eventual winners, City Vendors. Let all our partners know that this is now an annual event pencilled for every August and we look forward to their continued support. New partners are welcome as we expect to make this event bigger and better.
“Finally, we are planning to bring in ladies’ teams and have invitational teams from different districts in Manicaland other than Mutare and Mutasa.”
