Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE’S inaugural Under-11 football league, aptly named the Sicho Masachi Under-11 Grassroots League, is now underway, thanks to the generous sponsorship of local hardware entity, Top Striker.
The league boasts an impressive line-up of 11 teams, including La Sakubva, SAFA, Sakubva United Sports Academy, Blacks Academy, Mutare City, Sporting Athletes, Destiny Juniors, City Vellos, FC Young Boys,
and Sheckon Stars.
With eight rounds of league matches already played, Sporting Athletes has taken an early lead in the log standings.
The league’s sponsorship was secured through the tireless efforts of Mutare football enthusiast and Scotland FC fan, Malvin ‘Schneider’ Makarawu.
Veteran coach, Timothy ‘Sicho’ Masachi, founder of the league, emphasised the significance of the Under-11s league in nurturing young talent.
“We have always had the Under-13s, 14s, and 17s leagues. These Under-11s have always played friendly matches as curtain raisers for the above age groups. However, I believe this age group represents the
foundation of football development, equivalent to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level,” he said, highlighting the need for tailored support.
“The only thing that needs to be done is to ensure we have the right tools and platform for this age group. For instance, we play half-pitch games and use size four footballs.”
He expressed gratitude for Top Striker’s support and hoped for more partners to join in developing grassroots football talent.
Masachi’s vision extends to establishing an Under-9s league in the future. Liberty Gumende, owner of Top Strike Hardware, shared his enthusiasm for supporting the Sicho Masachi Under-11 Grassroots League, citing
the need to prioritise junior football development nationally.
Gumende said: “Football as a fraternity needs to be more serious about junior football if we are to achieve big things as a nation.”
He framed Top Strike’s involvement as part of their commitment to giving back to the community and supporting President Mnangagwa’s vision for inclusive national development.
