Five-A-Side football introduced in Mat North

FUTSAL national Five-A-Side League chairman Philani Banda expressed pleasure at being granted permission by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to introduce Five-A-Side football in all seven Matabeleland North schools’ districts. Matabeleland North’s seven districts are Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Umguza.

Matabeleland North provincial education director, Jabulani Mpofu, wrote: “You are granted permission to conduct Five-A-Side football games in the seven districts of the province. You should not disturb the smooth running of institutions as you conduct your five aside football coaching.

“You are advised to liaise with District Schools Inspectors (DSIs) and produce this letter as proof of authority. Also, adhere to Covid-19 protocols in sport. Involve the schools’ inspector for Sports and Arts so that he does reports on your activities to appraise the ministry.”Banda said they were excited by the developments.

“It’s a good move for us, we welcome the go-ahead. We think this will help us improve the sport. We are looking forward to introducing Five-A-Side to both boys and girls. Matabeleland North local clubs will also be welcomed as we seek to have many people appreciating the sport,” said Banda.
Five-A-Side football is a version of mini-football, in which each team fields five players, four outfield players and a goalkeeper.

Other differences from association football include a smaller pitch, smaller goals and a reduced game duration.Matches are played indoors, or outdoors on artificial grass pitches that may be enclosed within a barrier or “cage” to prevent the ball from leaving the playing area and keep the game constantly flowing.

Five-A-Side football is an informal, small-sided game with flexible rules, often determined before play begins. The penalty area is semi-circular and only the goalkeeper can touch the ball within it. There are no offside rules, headers are allowed, and yellow and red cards work similarly to traditional 11-A-Side football. — @FungaiMuderere