Nash boss praises new format

Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE president of the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash), Cephas Mutumhe, says he’s encouraged by the structure and impact of current school competitions, especially the new “bubble” format where teams converge at a single venue until a winner is crowned.

Schools can use players from other schools in the cluster or district at the next level of competition.

Speaking at the Nash Under-20 soccer finals in Masvingo on Friday, Mutumhe said the format has done more than streamline logistics. It’s helping kids connect across cultures, learn sporting values, and, crucially, stay away from drugs.

“Clusterisation of games allows schools within the same province to share athletes and resources that have something to do with bringing children together. The model not only makes logistical sense but also strengthens unity among our schools and communities,” said Mutumhe.

He added that blending athletes from different schools ensures talent isn’t missed and gives Nash a broader pool to spotlight the best young players. Some of those players, he said, have already been tapped to represent Zimbabwe at this month’s Confederation of Southern Africa Schools Sports Association (Cossasa) Games in Eswatini.

The upcoming Cossasa Games will include soccer, netball, volleyball and basketball, open to both boys and girls. Zimbabwe will also send a team from primary schools, selected through tournaments held under the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph).

In the boys’ final at Mucheke Stadium, Rusununguko (Mashonaland East) edged Gutu (Masvingo) 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. In the girls’ final, Somvubu (Matabeleland North) beat Nyamidzi (Manicaland) 1-0, thanks to a goal by Cleopatra Tshingila.

Results

Boys – Group A: Allan Wilson 1-1 Mavhudzi, Howard 0-2 Judges, Allan Wilson 2-0 Judges, Mavhudzi 2-0 Judges, Allan Wilson 0-0 Judges, Mavhudzi 0-2 Howard.

Group B: Tsholotsho 0-0 Magwegwe, Tsholotsho 1-2 Kuwadzana, Kuwadzana 0-0 Magwegwe, Masvingo Christian 4-1 Tsholotsho.

Group C: Chibi 1-0 Rio Tinto, Rusununguko 0-0 Tongwe, Rusununguko 1-0 Chibi, Rio Tinto 3-1 Tongwe, Rio Tinto 0-2 Rusununguko.

Girls – Group A: Dzivarasekwa 3-0 Empandeni, Somvubu 2-0 Mzilikazi, Mzilikazi 7-0 Empandeni, Dzivarasekwa 0-1 Somvubu, Somvubu 5-0 Empandeni, Mzilikazi 4-1 Dzivarasekwa.

Group B: Pfupajena 0-0 Goromonzi, Chibi 0- Mabvuku, Pfupajena 1-1 Mabvuku, Chibi 1-0 Goromonzi, Mabvuku 0-1 Goromonzi, Pfupajena 0-1 Chibi.

Group C: St Francis 0-0 Nyamidzi, Dove 1-0 Victoria, Nyamidzi 5-0 Victoria, St Francis 8-0 Victoria, Nyamidzi 4-0 Dove.

Semi-finals

Boys: Allan Wilson 1-3 Rusununguko, Chibi 2-0 Masvingo Christian.

Girls: Chibi High 0-2 Nyamidzi, Somvubu 1-1 St Francis (Somvubu won 2-0 on penalties).

Finals

Boys: Rusununguko 0-0 Gutu (Rusununguko won 4-2 on penalties).

Girls: Somvubu 1-0 Nyamidzi.