Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA board member Brighton Ushendibaba believes more football tournaments can help the country’s young people stay away from drugs and substance abuse.
Fears are young people exposed will increase after the local Premiership and different lower division leagues’ season came to an end.
Speaking on the sidelines of the PanJap Motors-sponsored Harare Christian League tournament at Allan Wilson on Saturday, Ushendibaba said such activities help keep young people occupied.
“We are proud to continue our sponsorship of this event, upholding its vital theme; a firm stand against drug and substance abuse. These substances shatter the potential of our youth and lead them astray.
Knowing the profound harm they cause, we must collectively and permanently reject them,” said Ushendibaba.
A huge percentage of the country’s youths are involved in drugs and substance abuse and the situation has reached crisis level. This has become a threat to national development, increased pressure on the health sector and threatens social stability.
Football and other sporting disciplines could be one of the solutions to avoid idleness, although experts insist there has to be a holistic approach.
Ushendibaba believes they have to continue playing their part.
“Looking ahead, I pledge not only to continue sponsoring this tournament, but to significantly enhance the prizes, with the goal of including a car as the grand prize next year,” he said.
“My heartfelt congratulations to today’s champions for their incredible performance, and to every participant. Let this tournament remind us that football remains a powerful force for unity, bringing us together against all odds.”
Empowerment FC clinched victory over Goodhope FC in a tense penalty shoot-out in the final, while Athletes In Action and PAOZ HCC battled it out for the bronze medal, with the latter emerging winners.
Harare Christian League secretary general Munashe Maponga said he is grateful for the efforts being put in to keep their league afloat.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors for their consistent annual sponsorship, which has been instrumental in building the platform for our awareness initiatives,” he said.
