Youth Games now in the groove

Fatima Bulla in MASVINGO
THE 12th edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games roll into day two with most disciplines having gone through the round robin stages yesterday. Following a false start to the Games, characterised by chaotic organisation and the late arrival of teams, the festival is now up and running under the theme “Empowering the Youth, Growing the Economy through Sport”.

Eleven teams, including Team Zimbabwe which is set to represent the country at the African Sport Council Region V Games in December, will battle in eight disciplines — tennis, volleyball, football, handball, athletics, basketball, boxing and netball.

Football action was at Mucheke where Harare Province boys team walloped the Under-17 national team 5-1.
Defending champions Bulawayo and hosts Masvingo managed a goalless draw.

In the girls category, Harare dismissed Bulawayo 1-0 while Masvingo beat Midlands 2-0.
Mashonaland Central beat Matabeleland South 2-0.

Basketball action was at Kyle College were Harare province emerged dominant winning their first match 46-30 against Mashonaland West in the boys’ category.

The girls gave Midlands a thorough hiding as they won 76-0 before dismissing Masvingo 67-32.
Last year’s champions Bulawayo silenced Midlands 105-17 and beat Masvingo 59-25.

Bulawayo emerged stronger in the girls’ handball matches at Victoria High by dismissing Harare 11-8 and Manicaland 17-6.
Harare staged a comeback winning 11-6 against Midlands and 7-6 against Matabeleland South in the girls’ category.

Masvingo girls’ team beat Midlands 22-6.
In the boys category Masvingo beat Bulawayo 9-8 before losing 8-9 to Matabeleland South.