Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CORPORATE football is increasingly proving to be more than just a weekend pastime, with the Bulawayo Corporate Social Soccer League (BCSSL) providing a platform for employee wellness, community interaction and the development of young football talent.
The league has brought together companies from different sectors, giving players an opportunity to remain physically active while creating a competitive environment where emerging footballers can showcase their abilities.
The competition has also highlighted the growing role being played by companies in supporting sport, wellness and psychosocial wellbeing among their workers and communities.
Overnight Express manager Tanatsa Shumba praised the BCSSL organisers for what he described as a professional and well organised competition, saying the league was creating opportunities for young players who might otherwise struggle to get exposure.
“The league is run well. We give credit to the organisera. It gives young players an opportunity to be seen and to develop their talent, while also allowing those who are already working to remain active,” said Shumba.
He added that the corporate involvement went beyond football.
“It is encouraging to see companies supporting sport, wellness and psychosocial support for their workers and community members.
“Football brings people together, improves wellness and creates a positive environment beyond the workplace,” he said.
On the pitch, Overnight Express enjoyed a weekend boost after beating rivals Speed Shipping 1-0 in Saturday’s derby at Portuguese Club Ground.
The other Week 24 results saw Value Gas settle for 1 all stalemate against Warehouse Distribution, while Rydings Auto recorded the same scoreline with Evergold.
NUST produced one of the weekend’s convincing victories, beating ZESA 3-1. Simbisa were held to a 1-1 draw by Value Gas.
Simbisa also continued their impressive campaign despite dropping points, while Ostrich lost 2-1 to Simbisa. Millennium beat Chibuku 2-1 and Coca-Cola suffered 3-0 defeat against Proton.
The results leave Simbisa top of the table with 67 points, followed by Overnight Express on 53 and Value Gas on 48.
NUST are fourth on 45 points, with Zimtile fifth on 43. Hope FC are sixth on 40, followed by Chibuku (37), Warehouse Distribution (35), Speed Shipping (34) and Millennium (30).
At the bottom, Rydings Auto have 28 points, Lonestar and Evergold have 26 each, Proton and ZETDC 23 apiece, while Ostrich, Grills and Coca-Cola occupy the bottom three positions with 19, 17 and three points respectively.
