Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
BUBI-based Somvubu Secondary School were crowned champions of the inaugural Chipangano Challenge Trophy after outclassing Grace Mission of Hwange District 5-2 in an electrifying final played at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday.
The two-day tournament, sponsored by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings through its football brand Hwange FC (Chipangano), brought together nine schools from Nkayi, Lupane, Tsholotsho, Bubi and Hwange districts.
The event marked the official launch of a grassroots football revival programme aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing young talent within Matabeleland North Province.
Somvubu walked away with a US$5 000 cash prize and a full sports kit, while Grace Mission received US$1 500 and silver medals for their spirited performance.
Guest of honour, Richard Moyo, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, hailed the initiative as a vital step in youth empowerment and community cohesion.
“This event aligns perfectly with His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, promoting education, health, and social cohesion in our communities,” said Minister Moyo.
“Through events like this, we nurture tomorrow’s champions, leaders and responsible citizens. Let us continue building a system that will be the foundation of our junior development programme.”
He commended HCCL Holdings for their commitment to reviving sport across multiple disciplines, including athletics, boxing, tennis, netball and golf, describing the tournament as a symbol of investing in people, especially the youth.
Speaking earlier, HCCL Holdings administrator Munashe Shava said the company was fully embracing its social responsibility through sports development.
“This tournament is more than competition, it is a platform to re-ignite hope and passion among our youth. Hwange Colliery Company Holdings believes in nurturing raw talent and transforming it into greatness. We are not just reviving sports, we are building futures, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation of champions, said Shava.
He added that the tournament would serve as a talent scouting platform for Hwange FC (Chipangano) as the club rebuilds its structures for a return to Zimbabwe’s top-flight league.
“Every great player starts in school fields like these,” he said.
“Our junior football programme is designed to identify, mentor and develop such talent so that Chipangano once again becomes a dominant force in the Premier Soccer League.”
Traditional leaders also threw their weight behind the programme, with Chief Whange commending HCCL Holdings for re-directing youth energy from vice to virtue.
Bongani Ndlovu