Mashwede to sponsor anti-drug abuse football tournament

SOME of the best school football players from Harare Province will showcase their talents at the finals of a brand new Under-20 tournament in Chitungwiza on Saturday.

Eight high schools from various suburbs of Harare, including hosts Seke 1 High, will battle it out for honours at the Young and Great Anti-Drug Substance Abuse Soccer Tournament, which will be graced by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry.

Glen Norah 2, Kuwadzana 1, Domboramwari, St Mary’s, Mt Pleasant, Glen View 2, Harare High and Seke 1 will compete for the ultimate prize.

The eight schools were the winners from the inter district competitions that involved 56 high schools from Harare and surrounding areas.

The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sport, National Association of School Heads (NASH) and a partner Young and Great, an organisation that was founded by Tanaka Mashamhanda, with Mashwede Holdings coming in as principal sponsors.

Tanaka is the daughter of popular business mogul Alex Mashamhanda.

“We have launched our initiative with the anti-drug and anti-substance abuse Under-20 football tournament.

“In support of sport, we want young people to be supported sport wise, enabling talent scouting and in the process helping them to use their talents, so that they know through sport they can be occupied and be less tempted by issues like drug abuse,” said Mashamhanda.

The Young and Great Anti-Drug Substance Abuse Soccer Tournament will be a permanent feature on the high schools’ football calendar.

Plans are in motion to make it a national schools Under-20 tournament.

“I have also worked hand in hand, for the tournament, with Christ Embassy Zimbabwe, in awareness of the healing streams, live healing services with my man of God Pastor Chris.

“The good thing is the tournament is happening in March when there’s no school football. So it’s a first of its kind, which means more football for the kids and more time engaging in sport rather than abusing drugs.

“I have always been passionate about young people because of the challenges I faced at an early age, particularly mental challenges, depression, suicide and stuff.

“So the idea is to make these kids realize the best versions of themselves,” added Mashamhanda.

NASH head in charge of football in Harare, Ropafadzo Matemavi, explained why they chose Chitungwiza as the host town.

“We decided to host the tournament in a high density suburb for us to be able to reach out to as many youths as possible,” he said. For NASH this is an opportunity for our young footballers to be engaged year round.

“In the past soccer would only be played in the second term, so this tournament is also very important as it creates a platform to advocate for a life free from drugs and substance abuse for our lovely children.

“We also invite coaches and soccer legends to scout for talent. This creates an amazing opportunity for our learners,” said Matemavi.