Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
TEAM Manicaland performed exceptionally well, securing an impressive third position out of the country’s 10 provinces at the just-ended National Youth Games held in Mashonaland East Province’s capital of Marondera.
In landing third position, Team Manicaland scooped eight gold medals, 11 silver and seven bronze, behind Harare, and hosts, Mashonaland East.
Their achievement was slightly behind winners, Harare Metropolitan Province that amassed 15 gold medals, 11 silver and 14 bronze, while second placed Mashonaland East snatched eight gold medals, 11 silver and seven bronze.
For Team Manicaland, outstanding performances were witnessed mainly in basketball (girls) which snatched the best provincial female team award, table tennis (best provincial male team award) and the table tennis (best provincial female team).
In an interview, Manicaland Provincial Sports Development Committee (PROSDC) chairman, Peter Dombropoluos, thanked all stakeholders that ensured that the team travels and participates in this year’s edition of the Games.
“This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication, discipline, teamwork and determination demonstrated by our athletes, officials and the entire Team Manicaland family.
“Congratulations to Team Manicaland! You have made our province proud. We extend our sincere appreciation to Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Chief Director for Manicaland, Richard Gabaza, PROSDC, and all our valued stakeholders for their unwavering encouragement, prayers, commitment and support throughout the games.
“Your support has been instrumental in this success. Together, we continue to build a stronger, united and more successful Manicaland,” said Dumbropolous.
The Zimbabwe National Youth Games returned on the country’s sporting calendar this year, exactly six years after the interprovincial sports competition was stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.



