The ManicaPost
Blessing Gondokondo
EAGLES Football Club beat Yellow Power 2-1 to win the belated Independence Day trophy held at Mutare Farm Prison last Saturday.Five teams, Eagles FC, Yellow Power, Black Rhinos, Mutare Farm Rovers and Gunners FC partook in the tournament.
The annual event which gives prison inmates a chance to mix and mingle with members of the public is a brainchild of the Prison Inmates’ Football Association (PIFA).
After 90 minutes of play, Eagles FC were crowned champions of the eighth edition of the PIFA tournament.
The PIFA tournament which is meant for prisoners as well as prison officers created a carnival atmosphere at Mutare Farm Prison as fellow prisoners who were clad in their red and white prison garb were rooting for their favourite teams and players on the field of play.
There were prizes for the winning teams as well as the outstanding players of the tournament.
Gunners FC won the prize for the most disciplined team, while Edmore Governor of Black Rhinos FC was the most disciplined player.
Black Rhinos FC’s Malcom Nyanzou received the golden boot award, while the goalkeeper of the tournament gong went to Lovemore Shereni of Eagles FC.
Travolt Munepi of Gunners FC was named player of the tournament, while Kinston Masimu of Yellow Power was the coach of the tournament.
Provincial rehabilitation coordinator, who is also the principal correctional officer, Thandi Ndlovu, said the tournament was a way to assist prison inmates with sporting talent so that they will have something to pursue after serving their jail time.
“We have prisoners who come from different backgrounds and with different talents and through these games we let them showcase their talents so that they see that there are better things to do than committing crimes,†said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that arts such as dramas, poetry and dances were also organised for inmates as part of their rehabilitation programmes.
“We have other events as well other than football such as arts in the form of dramas, music, poetry and dances, but here we are having soccer. Soccer also gives opportunity for members of the public to come and interact with inmates,†added Ndlovu.
Guest of honour during the event, Mutare provincial magistrate Lucie-anne Mungwari, said sport improves health and talents for inmates.
