Musicians use football to tackle social ills

H-Metro Reporter

AS football matches involving musicians and celebrities continue to gain popularity, organisations are seizing that opportunity to address and eradicate social issues that have gone rampant in different communities.

The latest is a unique football tournament involving the country’s top musicians lined up at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield this Sunday.

Powered by Pacific Cigarette Company through Pacific Storm, the tourney is a showdown of eight teams – including four teams composed of musicians and celebrities and other four teams of fans.

Winners will walk away with a trophy which has a prize money while different excelling individuals will also get prizes.

*The tournament sponsored by Pacific Cigarette Company will see celebrities playing against fans*

Speaking ahead of this free event, Pacific Cigarette Trade Marketing Manager Kuda Chiutsi said the tournament is meant to to engage the youths and keep them busy, helping them to stay away from issues like drug and substance abuse.

“The tournament is meant to promote community cohesion and address many ills that are witnessed in different communities and mainly exposed to young adults. Coming up with such events will help them meet influential people who will inspire them. We also believe this will keep them away from engaging in social ills.

“This is among the numerous community-centred projects we implement at Pacific Cigarette Company and people will not pay any cent at the gate.

“We believe the tournament ignites more great projects among communities and grow local economies that improve livelihood for all,” said Chiutsi

The tournament started months ago in different provinces around the country where community teams participated with four teams qualifying to play their favourite musicians come Sunday.

*The organisers said entrance is free and Chillspot duo of DJ Fantan and Levels is expected to provide entertainment*

“Pacific Storm invited communities to set up a Pacific Storm Provincial Team and face off against other provinces.

“So we have teams that have qualified and will now face celebrity teams at Gwanzura Stadium where they play celebrity teams,” added Chiutsi.

Some of the celebrity teams include Zim Musicians which is captained by Utakataka Express frontman Peter Moyo and has players like Nutty O, Nesto, Shinsoman, Cello Culture, DJ Fantan, T Man, Guspy Warrior, Dadza D, Merciless Zimbabwe and Vokal.

Freeman will lead his Gallis FC which is composed of his band members, producers as well his fans.

Another team is King Shaddy’s Makorokoza FC, which will be banking on home advantage since most of its players are from Highfield.

Vigilance FC, which is mainly composed of people from Kambuzuma, completes the celebrity teams.

Entertainment will be provided by Chillspot Family’s duo of DJ fantan and Levels.