Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
FORMER Zimbabwe youth international Thabani Moyo’s dream of giving back to the game he loves becomes a reality today when the inaugural Thabani Moyo Junior Football Tournament bursts into life at Mzilikazi Youth Centre.
The Under-13 and Under-15 tournament, being staged in partnership with Mzilikazi FC, is expected to showcase some of Bulawayo’s brightest junior talent, with five teams set to battle for honours.
And Moyo could not hide his excitement ahead of the big day, declaring that everything is now in place for the tournament to kick off.
“I’m very happy that it is all systems go. We have worked hard to put everything together and now the most important thing is for the boys to enjoy themselves, compete and showcase what they can do,” said Moyo.
Moyo represented Zimbabwe at youth level before turning out for Highlanders and Chicken Inn, while also enjoying a memorable professional spell in Cyprus.
Having experienced the highs and challenges of the game, the former winger now wants to use his journey to inspire youngsters who harbour dreams of becoming professional footballers.
“Football gave me so much. It opened doors for me and allowed me to represent my country, play for big clubs and also experience football outside Zimbabwe.
“So, for me, this is about giving something back. I want these young boys to have a platform where they can express themselves, learn and believe that they can also go far in football,” he said.
Moyo stressed that the tournament is not solely about winning trophies, but about developing character alongside football ability.
“We want to see good football, but we also want discipline, respect, hard work and commitment. Those are the values that can take a young player a long way.
“You never know who might be discovered here. Today’s Under-13 or Under-15 player could be tomorrow’s Warriors star, and that is what makes this tournament exciting for me.”
Mzilikazi FC, Matshobane FC, YFSSA, Real Stars Academy and Mpopoma Tigers FC are expected to battle for supremacy in the two age groups.
The tournament will also carry a strong dose of nostalgia, with former stars from Mzilikazi and Makokoba set to face off in a legends curtain-raiser.
For Moyo, bringing the old generation together with the emerging crop is an important part of celebrating Bulawayo’s football heritage.
“Bulawayo has always been a football city. We have produced so many great players, and we need to keep that tradition alive.
“I would like to see parents, coaches, former players and supporters coming together to support these boys. We all have a role to play in developing the next generation,” he said.
With the stage now set, Moyo’s biggest wish is for the inaugural tournament to become much bigger in the years ahead.
“Today is just the beginning. I hope this tournament grows every year and becomes something that young players look forward to.
“If we can inspire even one boy to work harder and believe in his dream, then we will have achieved something special,” said Moyo.
And today, under the Mzilikazi spotlight, that dream finally gets its first kick.
— @FungaiMuderere
