Online ReporterFungai Muderere [email protected]
THE BancABC-powered Zifa Roots Impact Programme returns this weekend with provincial pride and youth football development taking centre stage as Zimbabwe’s emerging stars continue their quest for national recognition.
Week Two of the grassroots initiative will see matches played simultaneously in Bulawayo, Gweru and Harare, with teams representing the country’s 10 provinces battling for supremacy in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories.
Bulawayo’s matches will be split between Gifford High School and Crescent Sports Club, while Chaplin High School in Gweru hosts another cluster of fixtures. In Harare, Heritage High School will stage the capital’s provincial battles as another exciting round of matches unfolds.
The Bulawayo fixtures will see Masvingo face Midlands and Manicaland take on Matabeleland South on Saturday. Sunday’s programme pits Masvingo against Matabeleland South, while Manicaland lock horns with Midlands.
In Gweru, Harare clash with Bulawayo in one of the weekend’s standout encounters on Saturday, while Matabeleland North meet Mashonaland East. On Sunday, Harare take on Matabeleland North, with Bulawayo facing Mashonaland East.
Meanwhile, the Harare leg of the programme will feature Mashonaland Central against Mashonaland West on Saturday, July 19, with the provinces set to renew their rivalry in both the Under-14 and Under-16 age groups at Heritage High School.
All Under-14 matches will kick off at 9am, with the Under-16 fixtures following immediately afterwards. The age groups will play their respective matches concurrently at all venues.
The Roots Impact Programme has rapidly grown into one of Zimbabwe’s flagship youth football initiatives, providing a structured platform for talent identification and player development while exposing youngsters to competitive football at provincial level.
Beyond the quest for victories, the programme seeks to strengthen grassroots football by giving aspiring players from every province the opportunity to showcase their abilities and earn recognition from national team scouts and coaches.
With provincial bragging rights at stake and hundreds of young footballers eager to make their mark, another action-packed weekend is expected as the BancABC-powered Zifa Roots Impact Programme continues to unearth Zimbabwe’s football stars of tomorrow.
@FungaiMuderere
