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THE inaugural Old Mutual Varsities Super Six Championships ended yesterday with hosts, University of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University winning most of the events.The championships, held at UZ, attracted more than 560 students from 10 universities — MSU, National University of Science and Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Bindura University of Science Education, Lupane University, Catholic University, Harare Institute of Technology, Women’s University in Africa and the hosts.
The two-day event started on Saturday with participants competing in football, basketball and netball. The hosts were crowned champions in football after beating Bindura University of Science Education 5-4 on penalties.
The match had ended in a 1-1 draw and UZ walked away with US$2 500 while the runners-up got US$1 500. UZ team captain, Osbert Chisango, said the tournament was competitive and attributed their victory to teamwork.
“The tournament was good, we really played well although we faced challenges and we managed to apply ourselves. I think the most fundamental thing was unity,” said Chisango.
Nust finished third and they pocketed US$1 000. In men’s basketball, MSU beat UZ 44-40 to win the title, however, it was the other way round in the women’s category as UZ were crowned champions when they beat MSU 21-18 in a tightly-contested match that could have gone either way.
Tatenda Tswatwsa of MSU and Audrey Madzima were voted the Most Valuable Players in the men and women’s category respectively.
They received US$150 each.
MSU went on to clinch the title in netball when they beat UZ 24-20. CUT finished third. Paidamoyo Tinoza won the Shooter of the Tournament award while the Player of Tournament award went to Caroline Musemwa and they got US$150 each.
The winning teams in basketball and netball received US$1 000 while the runners-up got US$750. The championships were sponsored by Old Mutual. Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association president, Liberty Maidza, said they are happy to have sponsors coming on board to support the games.
Old Mutual marketing executive, Gerald Chinogara, said they hope to continue promoting sport among the youths.
“Sport is arguably one of the best healthy recreational activities available to university students and Old Mutual has identified it as a key area to invest in.
“As the country’s leading diversified financial services group, with a vision to enable a positive future, we believe it is important to partner with like-minded associations such as Zusa to make the youth in Zimbabwe appreciate that sport, if pursued with passion and excellence, is business.
“Old Mutual will continue to work with like-minded organisations in promoting sport among youths,” said Chinogara.
Online Reporter