Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in INKOMO
The curtain came down on the week-long Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Northern region inter-formations and units sports competition at the Inkomo Garrison over the weekend.
Guest of honour at the closing ceremony, Commander Artillery Brigade Brigadier-General Benedict Runodada said teamwork and discipline were the cornerstones of the military.
Brig-Gen Runodada warned against drug and substance abuse, saying the scourge had become a national security threat.
“It goes without saying that teamwork and discipline, the world over, are the strength of any military,” he said.
“We should know that the country faces the threat of abuse of drugs and other substances. We now have people who take in anything to get high and lose control.
“An organisation cannot go forward with members who are disoriented and immobilised by substances.”
The nation, he said, risks becoming a “Zombie Nation” due to uncontrolled consumption of hazardous substances.
At least 900 members from the various formations and units of the ZNA competed in 14 sporting disciplines.
The Presidential Guard dominated in most disciplines, winning the men’s football final.
Turning to the participants, Brig-Gen Runodada said the annual competitions were aimed at promoting teamwork and fitness through healthy contests.
The qualifying competitions were running under the theme, “Enhancing Teamwork and Esprit De Corps Through Sports”.
At least four teams from each discipline have qualified for the national finals featuring qualifying teams from the Southern Region.
Mechanised Brigade at Inkomo Barracks is hosting this year’s finals from November 17 to 21.
Commander Mechanised Brigade Brigadier-General Raban Nikisi said Inkomo Garrison was ready to host the finals.
He said qualifying teams should now fine-tune their skills to win the finals.
Teams from the Mechanised Brigade, 2 Brigade, Artillery Brigade, Presidential Guard Brigade, Masasa Logistics Garrison, Harare District, Mounted and Parachute Regiments participated in the games.
Athletes competed in table tennis, tennis, boxing, taekwondo, darts, pool, football and tug of war, among other sporting disciplines.
