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Nhlanhla Mbele
Zimbabwe is set to take part in the 18th edition of the Homeless World Cup (HWC) that is scheduled for 26 June to 05 July 2020 in Tampere, Finland.
The 2020 edition will see Zimbabwe making their sixth consecutive appearance since the tournament was launched.
HWC Zimbabwe team manager, Joe Kuseka said: “Zimbabwe is looking forward to fielding two teams for both men and women.
“Over the years as HWC Zimbabwe we have been advocating for the inclusion of women in sport and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent as well as getting equal opportunities. To top this end, we hope to field our first all-women’s team at the tournament in Finland,” said Kuseka.
HWC Zimbabwe has already started identifying talent, and will soon be launching selection tournaments in various communities countrywide.
“The selection tournaments will help us identify and work with young people in that particular community and those who excel may end up getting the opportunity to represent the country in Tampere,” said Kuseka.
The Homeless World Cup is an annual street football tournament which was started in 2003. The street soccer tournament is run by the Homeless World Cup, a unique, pioneering charity organisation which uses football to inspire people who are homeless, socially excluded and marginalised to change their own lives.
Zimbabwe made its debut appearance at the HWC in 2006, a year after the country had a thousand of people rendered homeless by Operation Murambatsvina.
“The journey has been amazing since inception when we were focusing mostly on those living on the street to now where we have broadened our scope to not just deal with those living on the streets, but to include those who are socially excluded and marginalised.
“Over the years the movement has given a voice to those who live with various disabilities whom have been part of the teams, and the opportunity has transformed their lives.
“The focus of the HWC is not trophies or podium finishes, but the amazing journey and reformation that the participants undergo. It is the most invaluable take-home from participating in the tournament,” said Kuseka.
Kuseka revealed that they were facing challenges raising funds to send teams to the tournament and appealed to the corporate sector, Government and individuals to come to their rescue.
Online Reporter