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By Goodwell Kazingizi
It was soccer galore at Musiiwa Business Centre when Musiiwa Pirates were presented with the first prize for the just-ended Musiiwa Social Soccer Mini-league tournament. The inaugural event saw the champions walking with a trophy and a US$100 prize money.
Attracting a sizeable crowd of soccer fans and all the participating teams, the memorable awards ceremony took place at Chakanyuka business premise on Sunday evening. Some of the soccer fans in attendance confirmed having travelled from as far as Shamva.
Speaking on the sidelines of the main event, the coach of the winning side, William “Jena” Kambanje said, ” We are very delighted by this milestone achievement. It is the first time to have had such a league here in Musiiwa. We are happy to be the inaugural winners of this trophy.”
Jena admitted that winning the trophy had not been a stroll in the park.
“It takes a lot of hard work and determination to be top in such a fierce competition,” added the young gaffer.
Musiiwa Pirates lifted the trophy with 25 points after the completion of all rounds of games. It was followed by Mumurwi FC which had 19 points. Musiiwa stars also had 19 points but were placed in the third position as a result of goal difference. The 4th position went to Real Stars which had 11 points. Three Stars and Nduge Stars completed the list with 8 and 3 points respectively.
Peter Tozivepi, the coach of the runner-up side Mumurwi FC blamed poor officiating by some referees as one of the major reasons that affected his side. Speaking to this publication after the event, the towering mentor had this to say, “Were it not for poor officiating, the final result could have gone in any way, but we would like to congratulate the winning team.”
The chairperson of the league Rodgers “Rocks” Nyandoro appealed to the corporate world, stakeholders, and individuals to come on board and help with the much-needed sponsorship that can carry the league forward.
“We are appealing to the corporate world and local business community to support the league with financial resources so that it can go forward and end up having more teams,” he lamented.
One of the fans who were in attendance, Amon Matinhu, said the league looks very organized. He emphasized the need for financial assistance for the growth of the league.
“The development and growth are important for our community as it (the league) promotes youth engagement.lt goes without saying that the existence of the league will be a tool in the fight against drug abuse and crime,” he echoed.