The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the Mai Hondo third edition U-15 Soccer Tournament slated for December 8-10 in Mutare are at an advanced stage.
The tournament which is being bankrolled by former Tanganda juniors’ player Blessing Mutsaka will be held on the second weekend of December.
Teams from Mutare Junior League are expected to compete. This time around they will be also girls’ teams.
The tourney, which has grown in stature and sponsorship package, will be held at various grounds while the final will be at Sakubva Stadium.
In an interview, Mutsaka said preparations were underway.
“We are running the Mai Hondo Tournament for the third time. Preparations are underway. We will work with junior teams that are playing in the Mutare Junior League. Any teams outside Mutare Junior League are welcome.
“We have also decided to rope in girls. For the past two years we felt we left them out. We want also to promote women soccer in our province. The prizes will be the same for both categories. For now I cannot say much on the prizes since we are still sourcing. What I can safely reveal is that it is going to be a better and bigger tournament, better than the first and second editions. We will also give away sporting equipment.
“Our objectives remain the same. That is to support the development of junior soccer talent in Mutare and also to convey appropriate, positive messages on youth issues. It is going to be a big event. I also urge the business community to come on board and assist us,” he said.
Sheckon Stars are the defending champions. They won the first edition and second edition. Last year they dismissed City Strikers 5-0 in the finals. A total of 14 teams participated.
Player of the tourney award went to diminutive Brian Zvakare of Sheckon Stars who also scooped the Golden Boot award.
Best defender award recipient was Panashe Jena of Sheckon Stars, while best midfielder’s award went to Edward Gonora also of Sheckon Stars.
City Strikers Milton Kademo was named the most promising player, while the fans’ choice for most exciting player was Brice Chaoneka, while coach of the tournament was Sheckon Stars’ Allan Gwangwara.
The most disciplined team was Matan.
