Grassroots tourneys crucial — Pasuwa

Sports Reporter
WARRIORS coach Callisto Pasuwa has hailed aspiring Zifa board member Edzai Kasinauyo for championing youth football, especially in remote areas. Pasuwa attended last weekend’s inaugural Edzai Kasinauyo Guruve Youth Games held at Mudhindo Growth Point in Mashonaland Central where 32 schools took part in a two-day football tourney. Blue J won the Under-15 Boys final while Amajuba clinched the Under-13 title and both teams were presented with football kits and footballs.

“This is a very noble idea, as former players we should strive to have more of these tournaments. I have been talking about this for a long time, this is a very pertinent issue because we have a lot of talent that goes to waste because no one discovered it,” said Pasuwa. “With these grassroots tournaments, it then becomes easier for us national coaches to identify talent at a tender age and draw up programmes.

“As a country we are going through a tough time football wise but we can improve vastly and increase our catchment area if we take this route. Besides, such tournaments foster unity. “We met a lot of football people here in Guruve, some of whom we last met years ago. These tournaments create a platform for meaningful football discussions,” said Pasuwa.

Former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu, who has already endorsed Kasinauyo’s candidacy, also graced the tournament played before a full house. Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya, 1996 Soccer Star of the Year Stewart “Shutto” Murisa, former Warriors’ midfielder Shepherd Muradzikwa were also on hand to lend their support the games. Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze also travelled to Guruve for the games.

Kasinauyo is vying for one of the four Zifa board member posts with other nine candidates — Wilfred Mukuna, Lewis Uriri, Joseph Musariri, Piraishe Mabhena, Felton Kamambo, Philemon Machana, Jackson Munyaka, Musa Mandaza and Beadle Musa Gwasira. A former Warriors player and renowned local player manager, Kasinauyo has pledged to revive junior football, if he is elected on December 5.

“Development is very key, competitions are also very vital but we have been neglecting that area (development). But it is not all about football, there are policy issues, transparency matters that also need to be addressed.

“Definitely, you will see changes, a lot has to be done if we are to progress. “Developing talent has always been my passion and I will continue to do this at a national level, “said Kasinauyo who hails from Guruve.

Results:
Under 15:

1st position — Bluejay Stars Juniors

2nd Position — COSA Juniors

3rd Position — Superjets Juniors

4th Position — Shooting Stars

Final: Bluejay Stars 2 , COSA 1

3rd & 4th playoffs: Superjets 2, Shooting Stars 0

Girls Under 15:
Final: Bepura Queens 1, COSA 0

Under 13:
1st position — Majuba Juniors

2nd Position — Nyamaka Juniors

3rd Position — Rusumbi Juniors

4th Position — Mudhindo Pirates