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THE annual Marwa soccer tourney preparations are already at advanced stage with a total of 24 soccer teams in Chipinge District expected to battle it out for top prizes. A former Mt Selinda High student in Chipinge, the Namibian-based land surveyor, Gibson ‘Gibalo’ Marwa bankrolls the usually exciting two-day tournament which is expected to kick off on December 23.
Last year, former Warriors and CAPS United player, Alois Bunjira, who was the guest of honour, was impressed with untapped talent he saw in Chipinge. In a recent interview with The Weekender, Marwa said this was part of his contribution in ploughing back to the community that raised him.
“I have been doing this for years and this is just part of my contribution in ploughing back to the community that raised me. I will be happy to see some youngsters being identified from this tournament and going ahead to play for big teams in the domestic Premiership,” he said.
The main activities will be held at Mutema Primary School. The big question, however, is whether defending champions, tea growers, New Years Gift FC will continue with their fine form in this year’s edition of the competition.
This year, each team is eligible to field a maximum of three registered players from Premier Soccer League and Division one. All 24 participating teams will receive $300 as appearance fee and the overall winners will walk away with $500, first runner up will get $400, while the third and fourth placed teams will get $300 and $200 respectively.
There are also other individuals prizes up for grabs which are $50 each and a shield for the most disciplined team, most disciplined player, most improved team, coach and player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament, top goal scorer and man of the match in the final.
In a separate interview, tournament chairperson, Farai Chijokwe, urged local communities to come in their numbers and support their teams as well as have fun. Chijokwe urged youngsters to take advantage of this tournament to showcase their talents since there will be prominent guest from the football fraternity.
He said the tournament committee was in final stages of preparations of the event. “As per tradition, all the teams taking part in this tourney will get $300 without kicking a ball and this is the money each will use for transport. We are going to provide food and accommodation for each 23-member team in this two-day event.
‘’There will be eight groups of three teams from which two successful teams will proceed to the round 16. We like to thank Gibson Marwa for continuing pouring thousands of dollars in this tournament which is meant to develop the community where he was born and bred.
“As the chairperson of this event, I like to urge all the players coming to this event to exercise fair play. The referees’ decision is final. For those teams who are willing to be part of this tournament, they are free to join next year,” said Chijokwe.
Teams: Mutema, Ausundi, Mbeure, Sabot, Caps Tonhorai,Nyunga,Manesa,Tanganda,Kondo,Musapingura,Maronga,Chibuwe Rovers, Musani, Birchenough ZRP, Birchenough Bridge bullets, Tongogara, Goko, Checheche, Chibuwe youth, Eastern Stars, Nyamure, Musapingura Warriors and Timers Buhera.
Online Reporter