adminNkosilathi Sibanda
TWENTY-FOUR teams from Bulawayo have been pitted to play for honours in the inaugural World Aids Day soccer and netball tournament.
This is the biggest sport tourney that is sponsored by stakeholders in the HIV and Aids sector.
The teams are a mix of professional and budding players whose mandate is to use the two sport codes to draw people closer to the campaign of eradicating the HIV and Aids scourge in the country.
With teams drawn from all the citya��s districts, it is expected that the tournament will excite sport lovers and give them a rare flare of talent. So far, according to the organisers,A� notable clubs taking part are United Refineries and Busters Netball from Nkulumane, New Orleans (Bulawayo North district), Impande FC, Luveve Queens (Luveve), Zwakala Zulu FC and How Mine netball club from Bulawayo south.
B-Metro Sport understands that the National Aids Council, Bulawayo province, which is the key partner in the initiative, chose to use netball and soccer in its drive to disseminate health information as it prepares to host this yeara��s World Aids Day national commemorations.
In an interview this week, Mthokozisi Ndlovu, the chief tournament director, said only two district play offs remain in the run up to the finals slated for November 25.
He said the finals are to be played at the popular Ndola Grounds at Iminyela suburb.
a�?This is a big initiative that uses sport to reach out to many people. We were aware that in our society we have many men who love football, so there was a chance to create a tournament that would lure them. Besides playing the worlda��s beautiful game, we want to spread the message if ending HIV infections. We wanted to scale up male involvement in HIV and Aids issues.
a�?Twenty four teams are in the run for the top prize. Both netball and soccer finalists will entertain us on the 25th November. This weekend the competition enters its last round. All the teams competed in what I can say was a race for glory in a competition that comprises a pool of talented players. Teams will forever be thankful to the National Aids Council, Population Services International, ZNFPC and FHI360. Without these organisationsa�� support, the competitions will not have taken place,a�? said Ndlovu.
Teams that have played well in the run up to the tournament are Emakhandeni United, Makokoba Shooters and FC Chelsea. In netball, there is a clash of talent in Lobengula Queens, United Stars, Leopard Academy, Swallows and Golden Girls Jets.
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Online Reporter