Online Reporter
Media Mpofu
MASVINGO is ready to roar into life this week as it hosts the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) Under 20 national soccer finals for both boys and girls, running from July 30 to August 1.
Twelve girls’ teams will battle it out at Victoria High School, while the boys’ showdown will take place at Masvingo Christian College.
And there’s already a buzz, especially in Bulawayo, where football lovers are celebrating the return of Magwegwe High School to the national stage after a decade in the shadows.
Magwegwe will represent Bulawayo in the boys’ category, while Mzilikazi flies the flag in the girls’ tournament.
For Magwegwe, it’s their first national finals appearance in 10 years, a period dominated by their crosstown rivals, Mpopoma.
“For the past 10 years, we have not qualified for provincial competitions. The last time we were there was in 2015,” said Magwegwe coach, Simbarashe Tinago.
“I’m excited that this year we’re going to represent Bulawayo in the national competition. We’ll give it our best.”
Bulawayo’s head of delegation, Cain Ncube, is confident that both schools will do the city proud.
“It’s good to see another set of teams stepping up to represent Bulawayo.
“We hope they’ll bring honour to our province. We leave tomorrow morning and all is set,” he said.
Masvingo’s head in charge of soccer, Cossam Mabaso, said the province is buzzing ahead of the event.
“As Masvingo, we feel so privileged to host the national competition and we’re looking forward to a successful tournament.
“I hope a team from Masvingo will win this time,” he said.
In the boys’ division, the confirmed participants are Mavhudzi, Tongwe, Tsholotsho, Kuwadzana, Allan Wilson (the defending champions from Harare), Rio Tinto Zhombe, Howard, Judges College, Chibi, Rusununguko, and Christian College.
On the girls’ side, the teams include Nyamidzi, Empandeni, Mzilikazi, Somvubu, Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa (the defending champions from Harare), Dove, Pfupajena, Victoria, Chibi, and Goromonzi.
Both categories will use a round-robin format, with the top teams progressing to the semi-finals.
