The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda Sports Correspondent —
THIS year marks the sixth edition of what has become an annual event at Mutema as 24 teams will battle it in the Gibson Marwa Tournament scheduled for next weekend.
Last year’s winners, Ausundi, are well aware of the unpredictability of football and as defending champions, a lot is expected of them as they descend upon Mutema to defend their crown which they won last year after a hard fought final with CAPS Tonhorai which put up a spirited performance and fell short of performing a giant killing act.
The soccer jamboree will be a two-day event. Spokesperson for the tournament, Farai Chijokwe, said he expected this year’s tournament to be very interesting.
‘’It will be a family affair. We have 24 teams again this year. We will use Mutema Primary and Secondary schools grounds, Nyamure and Manesa grounds in order for the three communities to enjoy the full value of the Marwa Tournament. The final will be held at Mutema Primary School ground. As usual, the affiliation fee will be pegged at $50. Every team will get $300 appearance fee over and above the winner’s prizes as we resolved to reward the best four teams at the end of the day,’’ he said.
Teams come from as far as Checheche, Buhera, Ratelshoek, Tonhorai and Mount Selinda.
At stake will be the $500 winners’ prize money and a floating trophy for the victorious team. Coach and player of the tournament will also be awarded.
One of the coaches of the teams that will be at the Marwa Tournament, Kudakwashe Mabaso, of Sabot FC, said the Christmas and soccer spirit go hand in hand and he appreciated the passion the sponsor had shown for soccer in the face of economic challenges that bedevil the nation.
‘’We are happy that from December 22 to 23, my team will battle it out to reach the semi-finals or even lift the trophy. What I am glad about is that Marwa continues to pour money into a cause where he does not benefit much. May the good Lord bless him! I take this opportunity to tell our opponents that we won’t be generous this time around,’’ he said.
Gibson Marwa is fervent about football. At one time, he was one of Gaza Gunners’ principal sponsors.
‘’I am ploughing back into the community that I call home. It is a way of keeping youngsters away from drug and alcohol abuse. While I used to sponsor Gaza Gunners, I believe that once finances improve, I will contemplate returning to sponsoring league soccer, but for now, I am looking forward to a successful tournament next Friday and Saturday,’’ he said from his base in Namibia.
Food will be provided for everyone who will be there at the grounds. Last year, Physwell Madhazi, who plays for Chicken Inn, was part of the Sabot team, while Rodwell Mhlanga who plies his trade with Chapungu also featured as a guest player.
‘’We have lined up some top referees to officiate at the gala for fair play to be the winner. At the end of the day, the best team ought to win. The bottom six teams will be relegated and they will have to go through the play-off from February to April next in order for the six winners to be part of the 2017 tournament,’’ Farai Chijokwe said.
