The ManicaPost
Blessing Gondokondo Sports Reporter
CHINAKA family has revived the Chinaka Trophy after it was last played in 1958 following the death of its founder, Pedzai Aron Chinaka.
Last Wednesday, 20 teams from Ward Eight in Mutare District converged at Mukuni North Primary School for the re-launch of the trophy.
The tournament had two disciplines, soccer and netball.
The winning teams received trophies and went away $50 richer.
Mukuni North primary and secondary schools scooped the first prizes in both soccer and netball.
Other schools that partook at the launch include Kushinga Secondary School, Chanyamuchese Primary School, Mukuni South primary and secondary schools.
Out of school youths also participated for trophies in both netball and soccer.
The teams include Mukuni North, Mukuni South and Nyika. All these teams had soccer and netball participants.
Organiser of the event, Alvord Matanha, headmaster of Mukuni North Secondary School, said the event would be an annual one.
“The tournament will be an annual event and the sponsors announced that they have a five-year plan for the event and part of it has already been executed today. We want to thank the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, Mutare District head officer, Clifford Mujoko and Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment district officer, Alex Mwakipesile for gracing our revival tournament,” said Matanha.
Nesbit Chinaka, son to the late Chinaka said the plan to revive the trophy came from his sisters who are based abroad.
“Charity Chinaka who is based in the United State of America and Silvia Chinaka who is based in the United Kingdom came up with the plan to re-launch our late father’s trophy in his remembrance and taking up his legacy of giving back to the people,” said Nesbit.
He added that his father’s legacy was appreciated by many people in Mukuni where he helped to build the first school in their area, Mukuni Primary School.
“Back then, the tournament used to have all schools in Mukuni Ward Eight participating.
Today we have 20 teams participating. Some schools are not from this ward, but they have volunteered to come and partake in this event,” added Nesbit.
