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Luthando Mapepa
THE usually sleepy village of Mutema in Chipinge District was a hive of activity when the exciting Marwa Soccer Tournament rolled into life last weekend with community teams battling for supremacy in the annual football fiesta. A total of 24 teams drawn from three districts, Chipinge, Buhera and Chimanamani participated in the two-day tournament which is being bankrolled by Namibian-based land surveyor, Gibson ‘Gibalo’ Marwa.
This year’s tournament attracted hundreds of soccer lovers drawn from nearby communities to witness their teams battling for top prizes.
Each of the 24 teams received $300 without kicking a ball, while six debutant teams received complete kits.
Chipinge outfit, Ausundi FC were crowned champions.
A well taken penalty shoot-out that was finished by Gaza Gunners owner, Shingi Mathabuka ensured Ausundi FC won 8-7 against two time runners-up, Caps Tonhorai.
They walked away with $500, while runners-up, Caps Tonhorai FC got $400.
Third placed Mutema received $300 for beating Tongogara FC who finished fourth and received $200.
Ausundi FC beat hosts Mutema FC in the dreaded penalty lottery to progress to the finals, while Caps Tonhorai outclassed stubborn Tongogara FC in the semi-finals.
Defending champions and tea growers, New Years Gift packed their bags early after losing their first two group matches.
Player of the tournament went to Tongogara’s DRC national Antonio Bugera who walked away with $50 cash price for his sterling effort.
Other accolades went to Musapingura FC which won the most disciplined team, while Manesa received the most improved team. All other individuals got $50 cash price.
Sponsor, Gibson Marwa hailed local talent in Chipinge District and promised to invite soccer academies as well as football greats in the next edition of the tournament.
Marwa thanked Government through the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture for supporting him in hosting the tournament.
“This year I felt I was not going to host this tournament due to family commitments, but when we held a meeting with organisers of the event and team representatives I felt I was betraying my community.
“We learnt that over 50 teams drawn from nearby districts wanted to compete in this tourney and next year we will introduce play-offs so that only successfully teams will take part.
“We are also happy that we have managed to get some recognition from the Ministry of Sport and they have been helping us in transporting resources for all the teams.
“I am also happy with the high turnout from the community and this shows that the tournament is getting stronger and stronger.
“This year we did not manage to invite high profile names in the football fraternity, but I promise that next year we will not fail,” said Marwa.
Participating coaches thanked the sponsor for uplifting the community through sport.
Chibuwe Rovers FC’s Edmore ‘Drogba’ Mabika said: “We would like to thank Marwa and family for sharing his cake with the local community. Since we started playing soccer locally I can say this is the best tournament we have ever taken part in,” he said.
Online Reporter