Story by Mthokozisi Dube
HWANGE Academy emerged victorious in the Marvellous Nakamba Under-17 tournament after defeating Binga Academy 1-0 in the final.
The thrilling final was a Matabeleland North Province showdown, with Hwange and Binga academies going head-to-head for the coveted title.
The two semi-finals had been decided via the lottery, with Binga dethroning Bulawayo-based Biya Academy 8-7 on penalties.
On the other hand, Hwange edged Victoria Falls Golden Lions 6-5 on penalties to set up an explosive final with Binga.
Previously known as the home of football talent, Binga justified why it has produced household football names in the Ndlovu brothers, Madinda, Peter and the late Adam.
A solitary strike by Delroy Mumba was all the hosts needed to be crowned champions of the Marvellous Nakamba tournament.
Hwange captain Dean Jaire said the crown is a moment to reflect for the side, which still has a lot of potential.
“It feels good to be crowned winners. It has not been easy, but we are happy we have won it,” he said.
ZIFA Vice President, Kennedy Ndebele, who was the guest of honour, said the tournament resonates with the association’s priority of reviving junior football in the country.
“This is a very important tournament in grassroots development. It is a developmental pathway, and we applaud our captain. We want to see more from these academies. We have had a long absence in the capacitation of coaches, and the technical director is leading the way in conducting these clinics, and we hope to capacitate all our coaches for a fully fledged product,” he said.
Organiser of the tournament, Antony Nakamba, says the next edition will see the involvement of the girl child.
“The main emphasis is to tap talent from the region, so we are happy the boys have given their all in this tournament. The competition has been high since yesterday. Everyone is happy, and we are planning to have a tournament in Victoria Falls, inclusive of the girl child,” he said.
The tournament featured 10 teams and was sponsored by the Marvellous Nakamba Foundation, led by Warriors captain Marvellous Nakamba, as part of broader efforts to strengthen youth football development in Zimbabwe.
