adminSenior Reporter
MUTARE junior football outfit, Sheckon Stars, were crowned champions of the inaugural and exciting Mai Hondo Under-16 Tournament held at different venues across the sprawling suburb of Sakubva last Saturday.
A total of nine teams from Mutare urban, P Stars, the winners Sheckon Stars, Faith Drive, Golden stars, Mutare stars, City strikers, City Vellos, runners-up, La Sakubva, Golden Scissors and one from Mutasa District, Eastern Bullets, participated in the tournament.
The tournament is sponsored by the Mutsaka family of the Mazhambe section of Sakubva.
Sheckon Stars’ Prosper Muzondo’s goal in the final played at Sakubva Stadium against La Sakubva ensured the Mutare junior soccer outfit walks away with their heads high, while the highly rated Timothy ‘Sicho’ Masachi-coached La Sakubva had their tails tucked firmly between their legs after settling for the bridesmaids position.
Player of the tournament award went to rock steady Sheckon defender Munyaradzi Kadiramwando, who received $30 for his sterling effort, while teammate, Edwin Munyama was named the goalkeeper of the tournament.
The day clearly belonged to Sheckon Stars as striker Muzondo went on to scoop the tournament’s golden boot award although he had to share the prize with Malvin Mtimunkulu of La Sakubva and Tatenda Chibi of Golden Stars.
The trio, who found the target three times during the tournament, shared the $150 prize money that was sponsored by Artwell Shiridzinomwa.
Sheckon Stars gaffer, Allan Manhanga received $50 and a grocery hamper after being named the coach of the tournament.
Lanky Sheckon Stars skipper, Vincent Chiko got $10 after being named the midfielder of the tournament, while the most disciplined player’s award went to Dylan Chandiko of La Sakubva
All top four teams received soccer kits, while all participating teams received a ball each and six bottom teams received T-shirts with HIV messages from National Aids Council (NAC). Winners also received 15 T- shirts with HIV and Aids messages from NAC.
Sponsors’ spokesperson, Blessing ‘Jah B’ Mutsaka, said they intend to make it an annual event.
“We plan to have the tournament annually. It is named after our mother who was supportive of youth participating in sport. We hope to attract more partners and residents interested in soccer and youth to support youth development in Mutare.
“We also want to stress the link between sport and youth development as well as sing sport as a congregating point for youth and warning them against drug and alcohol abuse while providing career guidance and HIV prevention information. We are also grateful to NAC Manicaland who provided peer educators for youth during the tournament and distributed HIV and Aids literature to the youth and also to adults who attended. In fact, we were happy with the support and attendance of the Mutare community and also the relationship with NAC and their support with educational materials
“We hope other organisations that work on youth issues can come on board so that we combine the sport aspect with a bit on educational materials on issues such as HIV, sexual and reproductive health, career guidance,” he said.
Besides the Mutsaka family, other stakeholders who chipped in are Shiridzinomwa, Adam Mutena (PSL Referee), Washington Katema, Nesbert Zvakare (former Eagles, Sporting Lions, Eastern Lions and Masvingo United midfielder) and Farai Musariarwa (Mutare Junior League).
Online Reporter