Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A celebration of sporting talent and campus pride kicks off today in Bulawayo, as the 2025 edition of the Carling Black Label Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports Union (ZTISU) Games roars into life. The event brings together hundreds of student-athletes for four days of spirited competition, camaraderie and national pride.
From netball courts to athletics tracks, chess boards to rugby fields, the city becomes the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s tertiary sports scene, welcoming participants from 41 member institutions under the ZTISU banner.
ZTISU comprises three sub-associations: the Technical Education Sports Association of Zimbabwe (TESAZ — 12 institutions), the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Colleges Sports Association (ZITCOSA — 14 institutions), and the Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association (ZUSA — 15 institutions). The union oversees and governs tertiary-level sports across the country.
“Competition begins at sub-association level, where gold and silver medallists in each sport qualify for the national ZTISU Games. The 2025 edition will run from Tuesday to Friday, and everything is set for a spectacular show. The official opening will be held tomorrow (today) at White City Stadium,” said ZTISU President, Edward Chekure.
An affiliate of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), ZTISU is mandated to ensure the smooth running of tertiary sports and uphold professional standards at all levels.
“The games are fully funded by member institutions. ZTISU ensures the involvement of qualified officials, by working closely with national sports associations. We are committed to ensuring high-quality performance, increased participation and strong podium results,” Chekure said.
Ahead of the games, coaches, captains and code co-ordinators met to finalise formats and expectations, with templates for play shared in advance, to promote transparency and fair play.
“The event offers more than just competition; it symbolises the vital role of sport in promoting healthy lifestyles, discipline and lifelong socialisation. It’s a national stage where potential is realised and sporting dreams are born,” said Chekure.
The annual ZTISU Games rotate hosting duties among the sub-associations. This year, Bulawayo takes over from Harare, which hosted the 2024 edition at the University of Zimbabwe and Old Hararians.
A wide range of sporting disciplines will be contested by both men and women, including football, basketball, volleyball, netball, handball, athletics, tennis, table tennis, rugby, cricket, darts, pool and chess.
Paralympic events will also feature prominently, with goalball, five-a-side football, seven-a-side and track events. Proper classification for para-athletes will be conducted by trained professionals, to ensure inclusivity and fair competition.
Various venues across the city will be used:
White City Stadium — Athletics and the official opening
Bulawayo Club for the Disabled (BCD) — Karate and lawn tennis
Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) — Basketball
Hillside Teachers’ College —Volleyball, karate, darts, men’s football and pool
United College of Education (UCE) — Paralympics, women’s football, netball and handball. — @FungaiMuderere
