Fairness Moyana in Hwange
MPOPOMA High School from Bulawayo was crowned champion of the Chipangano Interprovincial Schools Challenge Trophy after beating Nkayi High School 2-0 in the final at Hwange Colliery Stadium on Sunday, leaving a lasting impression at the event.
Mpopoma walked away with US$7 000 in prize money and soccer kits after an impressive campaign in the tournament, which brought together six schools from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo Metropolitan Province.
Nkayi finished second and received US$4 500, while Tongwe High School came third to pocket US$2 500. Nkulumane High School finished fourth and received US$1 000.
The competition was organised by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings through its Chipangano Football Club as part of efforts to promote grassroots football and identify emerging talent.
The tournament featured Tsholotsho High School and Nkayi Secondary School from Matabeleland North, Tongwe High School and Bengo High School from Matabeleland South, and Mpopoma High School and Nkulumane High School from Bulawayo.
Mpopoma’s victory capped a tournament that showcased young footballers from the three provinces, with organisers calling for the competition to become a sustainable platform for nurturing future national team players. In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Mbizo Moyo, the
Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Cde Richard Moyo said sport was an important tool for youth empowerment and national development.
He commended HCCL Holdings for expanding the competition from a provincial tournament held earlier in the month into an interprovincial event.
“Sport must never be viewed merely as recreation. Sport is an instrument of national development.
It builds discipline, nurtures leadership, promotes social cohesion and creates pathways towards economic opportunity,” he said.
Cde Moyo challenged organisers to ensure the tournament went beyond the presentation of medals and a trophy by establishing a lasting platform for talent identification, mentorship and the development of future national football stars.
He also called on young players to remain disciplined, value their education and shun drug and substance abuse.
Meanwhile in a speech read on his behalf by Chipangano Football Club chairperson Dr Nairos Deredzai, HCCL Holdings chief executive officer Mr William Gambiza said the company was committed to investing in young people through sport.
“Coal may power our industries, but empowered young people will power Zimbabwe’s future,” he said.
Mr Gambiza said the company wanted the competition to grow into a recognised platform for grassroots football development, bringing together schools, sporting authorities, coaches, sponsors and talent scouts.
He said HCCL Holdings’ community development initiatives extended beyond mining to include education, healthcare, community infrastructure, environmental sustainability and sport.
Chief Whange, who delivered the vote of thanks, said the tournament demonstrated the importance
of partnerships between traditional leadership, Government, business and communities in creating opportunities for young people.
He urged organisers to sustain the competition, saying it could become a lasting symbol of hope, unity and opportunity for future generations.
The Chipangano Interprovincial Schools Challenge Trophy is expected to provide young players with a platform to showcase their abilities while strengthening sporting ties among schools across the three provinces.
