Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AT Khami Prison, where fences and time usually define the day, it was the thud of a football, the cheer of makeshift fans, and a message of hope that echoed loudest.
In a powerful mix of faith, sport, and second chances, the Jesus Behind Bars initiative, in partnership with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, turned the prison’s dusty grounds into a stage for healing, through a 12-team football tournament like no other.
This wasn’t just about goals. It was about grace. A reminder that even those behind bars still carry dreams, talent and a yearning for redemption.
“It was a proud moment,” said one of the players, who expressed heartfelt thanks to organisers and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officers.
Samuel Moyo, from Khami Remand Prison, penned an emotional letter of gratitude:
“On behalf of all inmates, we are so grateful, giving thanks to our officers, who love us so much to an extent that they helped us host such a big tournament. I want to also thank the Seventh Day Adventist Church in partnership with Jesus Behind Bars together with Mr and Mrs Nkomo, for helping us as inmates to have such a big tournament.
“We kindly pray and appeal to the public that let it not be the work of ZPCS Rehab and the Government only in helping us, but also the public so that our rehabilitation process succeeds. We do not have kits for our teams and some of our players played barefoot and one referee officiated wearing slippers.
“So, we are asking for help from all citizens, of course, we wronged the community but God has given us another chance through Pastor Nkomo and Jesus Behind Bars to find value of both time and our… Realising that we are going to be accountable for whatever we do on earth.”
Tournament organiser and founder of Jesus Behind Bars, Dumisani Nkomo, stressed the role of sport in reshaping lives:
“We are trying to help the inmates with their rehabilitation through sports as well. Before the tournament started we prayed with them, and talked to them so that when they finish their sentences, they are reformed.
“We ran the tournament under the theme that everyone is a player, meaning that it’s not only the Government that should be responsible for the inmates’ rehabilitation. But, as a community, we need to come in and also assist.
“The prizes were toiletries like soap, toothpaste, drinks, peanut butter and other basics. At the end of the day, it’s not the team that wins, but everyone, because they share. Each team had at least two correctional officers playing, also assisting. There are some good players.
“We need to come together and support these guys, despite what they did. That’s not the main focus, the focus is to ensure they are rehabilitated. It’s rehab via sports. We’re also looking to introduce more sports going forward.”
The inmates competed in teams named after iconic clubs, Dynamos, Highlanders, CAPS United, Orlando Pirates, Manchester City and others, bringing a familiar rhythm to an unfamiliar setting.
In a thrilling final, Dynamos edged Pirates 7-6 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw. The winners may have lifted a symbolic title, but the real victory belonged to hope, forgiveness and the power of football to change lives. —@brandon_malvin
