Story by Anashe Murombedzi
YOUNG and promising football talent took centre stage at Marondera School in Chihota during the fourth edition of the Yemurai Kanyangara Memorial Tournament, which brought together primary and secondary schools in a celebration of grassroots football.
The annual tournament is held in memory of the late Yemurai Kanyangara, a young footballer who died in 2011.
The competition underscored the importance of grassroots football by providing emerging players with an opportunity to showcase their talent, gain valuable match experience and develop their skills in a competitive environment.
Former Dynamos legend, Murape Murape, and CAPS United great, Dumisani Mpofu, were among the guests at the event. They commended the organisers for creating a platform that nurtures young players and inspires them to pursue careers in football.
“For many of the young players, the tournament was more than just a competition. It was an opportunity to dream, compete and take another step towards a future in football. We commend the sponsor for this initiative,” said Murape.
The tournament was also hailed as an important platform for identifying and developing future football stars.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Mashonaland East Chairperson, Jerold Sasa, welcomed the initiative, saying such competitions provide young players with much-needed game time.
“We welcome tournaments of this nature as they help our youngsters gain more game time because, as ZIFA, we want football to be played throughout the year,” he said.
Tournament sponsor, Sharon Jambawo, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting grassroots football.
“I reaffirm my commitment to supporting grassroots football to ensure more children have access to organised competition,” she said.
On the field of play, Marondera Primary School emerged champions in the Under-14 category to claim the gold medal, while UMAA were crowned Under-20 champions following an impressive campaign.
Six primary schools; Marondera, Bakasa, St Mathews, Chitangazuva, Chizengeni and Bumburwi, competed in the Under-14 category. In the Under-20 competition, Marondera, Bumburwi, Chitandara, Chizengeni, Mukumba and UMAA battled for top honours.
