Story by Peter Chivhima
THE National Association of School Heads (NASH) has received a major boost after the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Better Brands, backed by a US$200 000 sponsorship package aimed at reviving grassroots sport development.
The partnership is expected to revitalise school sport and strengthen one of Zimbabwe’s key talent identification platforms.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Better Brands Chief Operations Officer Mr Tonderai Sakupwanya said the sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to developing young sporting talent.
“We would like to thank the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for giving us this opportunity to partner in nurturing young talent. This tournament once produced many talented football players, but over the years it lost momentum,” he said.
“As Better Brands, through Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, we saw it fit to revive and support this tournament because we believe in empowering the youth from grassroots level.”
The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo said the initiative will strengthen pathways from school sport to national competition.
“We are proud to witness this partnership. It establishes a vital foundation for enhanced training, fair competition and long-term athlete development,” he said.
“For too long, NAPH and NASH have operated without sustainable funding. This partnership changes that narrative.”
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) official Mr Mark Ruck said the football governing body is ready to support the programme and ensure it becomes a sustainable national competition.
“We are committed to working closely with the Ministry, Better Brands and all stakeholders to ensure that this tournament becomes a respected, competitive and sustainable national platform,” he said.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Torerayi Moyo described sport as a critical tool for youth development and national transformation.
“Sport is a powerful vehicle for promoting discipline, teamwork and physical well-being, which are essential pillars of the hunhu/ubuntu philosophy embedded in our education system,” he said.
“Football is not merely a game. It is a pathway of hope and transformation for many young people.”
NASH tournaments remain a key platform for nurturing future sporting talent while promoting discipline, unity and positive youth engagement across the country.
