Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere in Nkayi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER three days of football that lit up Nkayi from Friday to Sunday, local football greats have hailed the second edition of the Nkayi Youth Football Festival as a timely investment in the game’s future.
The tournament brought together boys and girls teams and drew some of the most respected names in local football. Legendary Madinda “Khathazile” Ndlovu, his brother Marko Dube, former Warriors striker Agent “Ajira’ Sawu, ex Highlanders midfielder Sizabantu Khoza and former Mighty Warriors forward Precious “Gringo” Mpala were among those who graced the occasion.
“There were beautiful football scenes in Nkayi. I would want to say thank you to the organisers of the event,” said an appreciative Mpala.
“These are football initiatives that we need to see grow in every breath and length of the country. It was a very competitive tournament and I’m looking forward to its third edition.”
Sawu echoed the same view, pointing to the value of early exposure for young players.
“I think with these kind of football tournaments, we are moving in the right direction. The youngsters need such kind of exposure. It’s a right platform to showcase their talents at such a tender age. These tournaments need everyone’s support,” said Sawu.
Support for the initiative also came from Anthony Nakamba, the father of Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba, who underlined the importance of consistent grassroots work.
“Youth football development is key,” said Antony.
“We recently held a similar tournament in Hwange and I think as a country we are moving in the right direction. Together we can and these are kind of initiatives that we need to see grow.”
Dube, who is also one of the Highlanders juniors coaches, said the future of Zimbabwean football depended on deliberate investment in development structures.
“We cannot hide the fact that channelling resources to our development structures is what will help us achieve meaningful progress,” said Dube.
“It is from such tournaments that we will come up with players that will represent the country on the international stage. There has to be more of such games as this also aids in curbing the drugs and substance abuse scourge. We applaud the organisers for a job well done.”
With scores of people in attendance, Nkayi, fondly known as koMnyama Ubambile, was treated to vibrant youth football scenes that held the community spellbound.
Highlanders Under 17 boys emerged champions after beating Nkayi Soccer Academy 2-0 in the final.
The winners walked away with medals, trophies and prize money, while the sponsors also pledged to gift each participating team with personalised jerseys as a token of appreciation.
As proceedings drew to a close, the heavens opened, almost in salute to a three-day football festival that ended with teams and officials proudly dressed in red and white, a fitting curtain call to a memorable community event.
