Liberty Dube
Sports Correspondent
FORMER Muzokomba High School learners in Murambinda, Buhera, are using sport to fight drug and substance abuse among learners, while supporting development at their former school.
Operating under the Muzokomba Legends banner, the former learners recently played a friendly football match against the school’s senior soccer team, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
The event aimed to promote positive behaviour, provide career guidance, educate learners about the dangers of drug and substance abuse and support the school’s sporting activities.
Beyond the match, the former learners donated soccer jerseys, socks, training cones and footballs to strengthen the school’s sporting programme.
Muzokomba Legends chairman and event organiser, Tichafara Vhiriri, said the initiative provided an opportunity to reconnect with their former school and support the next generation.
“We had a successful event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the school that nurtured us and laid the foundation for who we are today. It was more than just a football match; it was an opportunity to reconnect with our roots, inspire the current generation and contribute towards the school’s development. Our team comprises former learners from the 2001-2002 classes, but this is just the beginning. We want to bring together more former learners in future programmes and broaden our sporting activities to include netball, volleyball, basketball and athletics. We envision this becoming an annual event that strengthens the bond between the school and its former learners. We also wanted to rekindle memories of our 2002 Nash Provincial competitions campaign, when we conquered Buhera District and went on to reach the provincial semi-finals against Mutare Boys’ High. Those memories remain an important part of our school’s sporting history, and we want today’s learners to appreciate that legacy while creating their own,” he said.
Vhiriri said the group wanted to expand its activities beyond football and establish an annual programme that would bring together more former learners.
He added that sport could provide a platform for mentorship, unity and awareness of drug and substance abuse.
Former learners who participated included Dr Chiwumira, Tichafara ‘Banya’ Vhiriri, Nelson ‘Ninja’ Kandenga, Paul Gwinhi and Tinashe Ndere, among others.
The initiative demonstrates how former learners can contribute to their former schools by supporting sporting activities, mentoring learners and encouraging positive choices.
Muzokomba Legends use sport to fight drug abuse
