Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira
AS part of the festivities to celebrate the country’s 43rd Independence, Zifa Southern Region Division One sides Arenel and Indlovu Iyanyathela will battle it out in the provincial Uhuru Cup final at White City Stadium on Tuesday.
Football will not be the only attraction on the day with a Coca-Cola Four Minute Mile Qualifier lined up at the half-time mark.
A number of festivities are lined up for the day with the football match part of the entertainment.
The main ceremony for the 43rd Independence Day celebrations will be held in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, as the Second Republic continues to push the agenda of inclusivity and decentralisation of national programmes. At the main celebrations, Highlanders will face Dynamos in the Independence Cup final.
Traditionally, the celebrations have been held in Harare at the National Sports Stadium. Last year, the celebrations were held at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Also, given that this year’s Independence Day celebration will be held in Mashonaland Central, the move is in tandem with the Government’s mantra of “leaving no one, no place behind”.
Previously, Uhuru celebrations were only held in cities, living out small towns and growth points.
Decentra-lisation of national events depicts the Second Republic’s commitment to include everyone and every place in all national programmes.
In commemorating Independence Day, the nation recalls how gallant sons and daughters of this great nation sacrificed their precious lives to liberate Zimbabwe from the shackles of colonial bondage.
This year’s theme “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”, resonates with the attainment of Vision 2030, which is aimed at achieving an upper middle income economy through economic development.
Arenel FC coach Kudzayi Mhandire said his side is geared for the encounter.
“It’s an honour to play in this tournament. Football being one of the most followed sport codes in the country, we are happy to be part of the festivities for the provincial celebrations. Hopefully we will come out tops,” said Mhandire. — @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter