Zanu PF soccer tournament excites youths in Shamva

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

THE Zanu PF Shamva District youth soccer tournament, which took place recently in Madziwa, has united the community against drug and substance abuse.

Four football teams, Ponesai Vanhu, Rusununguko, Madziwa United and Nyamaruru, took part in the tournament at Chaminuka Grounds in Madziwa.

Ponesai Vanhu triumphed and its captain, Obvious Kudakwashe Elijah, said their newfound focus had eliminated idle time.

“This is how we are escaping illicit practices like drug abuse. Most of our peers are talented, and we want support to advance into Division 1 or the Premier League,” he said.

Veteran of the Liberation Struggle Minister, Senator Monica Mavunga, expressed her gratitude to President Mnangagwa for prioritising the needs of the youth.

She said 20 teams participated in the preliminary games, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to showcase their talent.

“Talent does not consider social status or upbringing, but it unites people. We cannot leave our children idle, as that may lead them to drug abuse,” she said.

“No economy can thrive when the majority of its people are intoxicated. This tournament will expand to include netball, volleyball, women’s soccer, and other sports, as drug abuse affects both genders.”

Senator Mavunga said the National Committee on drug and substance abuse, led by Minister Oppah Muchinguri, is diligently working to combat this issue.

She added that rehabilitation centres across the country are helping youth regain control of their lives.

Minister Mavhunga pointed out that Shamva had the highest rates of child marriage in the province.

She praised Chiefs Bushu, Madziwa, Mutumba, and Nyamaropa for taking a strong stance against child marriages in line with the “Not in My Village” campaign.

Ryan Dokwani, secretary for youth affairs on the Shamva District Coordinating Committee and organiser of the tournament, shared that the goal is to reduce drug and substance abuse.

In line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, the tournament included all villages in the district.

“We have four leagues in both Shamva South and North. We want to keep the youth engaged, and since they love sports, we are also bringing in talent scouts,” she said.

“The challenge of drug abuse is prevalent in urban centres, and next week we will be visiting Wadzanai urban centre to reach more youth. The response has been overwhelming, with many young people turning away from drugs.”