The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
THE Chido Madiwa-Tsinakwadi Tournament, a preserve of teams in Honde Valley, was held recently amid pomp and fanfare in the entertainment starved and marginalised community.
The tournament is the brainchild of Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Manicaland co-coordinator, Chido Madiwa-Tsinakwadi.
Scores of people in Honde Valley gathered at Gatsi Primary School grounds to witness the official launch of the tournament.
The event attracted many people with two sporting disciplines namely soccer and netball being the major drawing cards.
The event started off with a road race for the over 50s and each of them were awarded for participating.
Officials from Gatsi Old People’s Home, Telecel, Coca Cola, business community and Ok Mart graced the event as well as village heads.
The tournament, which was first introduced in Chinaka area and Muterere last year, has grown in leaps and bounds in terms of sponsorship and the number of participating teams.
Five soccer teams, Rori Stars, Gatsi Hunters, Germany Shepherds, Super Tigers and Rori Junior Sweepers were represented during the launch.
In netball, Samushonga Queens, Gatsi Queens, Mutarazi Queens, Tambarara Queens and Rori Junior Sweepers participated.
In soccer, the games were played on a knockout basis. Gatsi Hunters and Rori Stars were the survivors and met in the finals. The final match ended in a one-all stalemate and the two teams headed for the dreaded penalty shootout where Rori won 5-2.
Rori Stars goalkeeper, Blessed Chitsa put up a superb performance as he saved two penalties and was voted player of the tournament.
In netball, Samushonga Queens were crowned winners after topping the log.
Their player, Ruth Munyati was voted the player of the tournament. The winners and runners-up in each discipline received floating trophies, uniforms, medals and balls.
Each participating team got a ball.
Coaches and their captains received tracksuits, while all match officials got full kits.
Speaking after the event, an elated Madiwa-Tsinakwadi, said that she was happy to fulfill her dream of giving back to the community that raised her up.
She said: “I never thought it will be like this. The support is so overwhelming. All my family members attended including my own parents. I believe giving back to the community is the most important thing one must do.
“Growing up in the small area of Honde Valley, I saw the importance of outreach in the community from a tender age. I am where I am today because of this community which gave me maximum support.
“Giving back to the community does not mean monetary contributions only. We need to reach out to them with whatever we have. We must cater for children in our communities by providing opportunities for them to be successful.
“I am doing this for the betterment of sport and my rural community so that our players have the best possible environment to showcase their skills, learn, grow and enjoy all the beautiful game has to offer.”
She also gave all pregnant women present dishes and pots, umbrella, caps and soccer jerseys.
