Story by Gay Mathambo
LEARNERS from government schools across Masvingo province converged in Chiredzi for the 2024 Provincial Director’s ball games tournament this Friday.
The sporting extravaganza attracted the best of the best in Masvingo including Temeraire High School’s top Chess player, Rutendo Hwede who is also the Child Member of Parliament for Masvingo West.
“The importance of this tournament is it enables learners to have exposure. Exposure is the most important thing in the learners’ lives because if we have exposure, it also boosts our confidence,” she said.
Masvingo Provincial Education Director, Mrs Shylatte Mhike was the guest of honour.
“It’s the third edition now, the third year running. All government schools came together and thought they could have these games every year as government schools. The games are for participation, purely participation. We want all learners to be involved and whilst they are involved, we also do talent identification,” she said.
The inaugural sports tournament saw primary and secondary schools in Masvingo Province clashing in various sporting disciplines including basketball, tennis, volleyball, and netball.
“Since the inception of this tournament, it was won by Ngundu Halt for secondary schools. This year the number of participants has increased to close to 80% of the government schools in the province,” said Director of the Tournament, Mr Thomas Mureriwa.
Head in Charge for Primary Schools, Masvingo Government Schools Association Games, Mr Brian Gomba said, “Most teams played very well and there were no injuries. These games benefit the learners as they get to fully prepare for the NAPH games.”
Mwenezi High School and Mashaba Primary School emerged overall winners of the tournament coming first in all the seven sporting disciplines.
