Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE second edition of the Zimbabwe Cestoball Presidential Tournament was played at Ellis Robbins School this Saturday dominated by White Diamond who clinched the top spot in both the men and women’s titles.
In a much-improved environment, the Zimbabwe Cestoball Presidential Tournament entered its second edition at Ellis Robbins Boys High School this Saturday with thirteen teams across the men and women’s categories participating.
Although the game is still in its infancy in Zimbabwe, it seems to be gently gaining ground, as this year’s edition attracted eight male teams and seven female teams from three provinces.
Zimbabwe Cestoball Association (ZICA) president, Amon Madzvamuse said, “This year we’ve managed to see so many teams coming to participate meaning that we’ve registered a significant growth in as far as cestoball is concerned so we’re very pleased as an association.”
With about three years of existence in the country, the Zimbabwe Cestoball Association in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) continues to step up efforts to ensure the sport gains traction in schools.
“We’ve started with a few schools about eight in Harare and two in Masvingo that is Rufaro and Serima, but unfortunately Serima could not travel to Harare. We’re trying to organize workshops so that we train teachers to introduce the game in schools,” said NASH National acting head in charge, Jameson Shumbanhete.
The players have hailed the inclusive sport whilst calling for more stakeholders to come on board and support the growth of the sport.
“You don’t easily get opportunities like this, so you should embrace it to the international stage and for a growing sport it’s doing very well because it seems to cater for both genders,” said Rufaro High School Cestoball player, Ryan Chetsanga.
Warren Park High Cestoball player, Bertha Mapota said, “I want to play Cestoball and proceed to greater heights with it and earn a living and take care of my parents.”
“We are encouraging the game to be taken to the grassroots in schools. In schools, it should have various levels like under 14, 17 and 20 to the open stage and we also want it to spread into the communities to take shape.” Said White Diamond Club player, Charles Wilson.
Meanwhile, White Diamond proved to be in a league of their own after outshining Royal Flippers 61-26 in the men’s tournament.
In the female section, White Diamond were crowned this year’s champions after edging Royal Flippers 42-40 in a close encounter.
