Online Reporter
Online Reporter
ZIFA Mashonaland East Province, in partnership with Tonganyika Trust, is set to launch the inaugural Tonganyika Trust Football Tournament, an eight-team competition aimed at promoting grassroots football development and strengthening competitive football in the province.
The tournament has been sponsored to the value of US$5 000 by Tonganyika Trust, a charitable initiative founded by Tongai Mnangagwa, Member of Parliament for Hunyani Constituency and Deputy
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The sponsorship reflects the Trust’s continued commitment to youth empowerment, sport development and community upliftment.
The tournament will feature four teams from last season and four new affiates in the ZIFA Mashonaland
East Division Two league.
The participating teams are Hukuru FC, Hunyani United FC, Chibamu FC, Bhundu Rollers Academy, Joyce Mine FC, Rusununguko Academy, Ghetto Pirates and Axom College.
Matches will be played at Rudhaka Stadium on Saturday, March 21 with the draw scheduled for Friday, March
20.
The competition format will see the eight teams divided into two groups of four, with the teams in each
group playing in a round-robin format.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, before the winners meet in the final to determine the inaugural champions.
The official draw to determine the group stage fixtures will be conducted on the eve of the tournament.
Speaking on the initiative, Mnangagwa said the tournament is part of broader efforts to invest in youth development through sport.
“Sport is an important platform for youth empowerment and community development. Through the Tonganyika Trust Tournament we want to give talented young players in Mashonaland East an opportunity to showcase their abilities while promoting discipline, teamwork and positive community values. Tonganyika Trust is proud to support initiatives that nurture grassroots talent and strengthen our communities,” he said.
ZIFA Mashonaland East Chairman Gerald Sasa welcomed the partnership, noting that such initiatives play a critical role in strengthening football structures at provincial level.
“We commend Tonganyika Trust for supporting football development in Mashonaland East. This tournament will increase competition among our top teams and provide an excellent platform for talent identification. Partnerships of this nature are key to ensuring sustainable growth of the game within our province,”
he said.
Both ZIFA Mashonaland East Province and Tonganyika Trust are confident that the inaugural edition of the tournament will deliver exciting football while laying the foundation for what is expected to become an important annual event on the provincial football calendar.
