Sports Reporter
The annual Mai Hondo Youth Soccer Tournament lived to its billing in Mutare over the weekend.
Breathtaking games, packed with chances and individual brilliance was a treat offered to the spectators by all the 32 teams that participated from across the country at the annual tournament.
Of them all it was Binga Academy who travelled 828 km to mark their presence in this prestigious junior football tourney who caught the hearts of many, being the under dogs they punched above their weight and reached the quarter finals.
It was an “all Mutare” final both in the boys and girls’ category.
Defending champions in the boys’ category La Sakubva defended the title after a thrilling final against local city rivals Sherkon Stars who were looking forward to win the gong for the fourth time.
After settling for a 1-1 draw in regulation time, it needed penalty shootouts for them to take it home and for their coach Timothy “Sicho” Masachi it was a good experience for his youngsters.
“I am happy that my boys did well to defend the title, I remember telling them we only going back with the trophy to the tournament to polish it and we did that.
“We hope to have more of such sponsors because such tournaments help the youngsters to build self-confidence and it gives them experience,” he said.
In the girls’ side three-time champions Faith Drive Queens failed to defend their title as they lost 3-1 on penalties against a Mutare City Rovers Queens side which was led their former assistant coach Zenzele Musikavanhu.
“It is a great feeling for me to win this tournament, this has always been my wish and finally it happened.
“I want to salute all my players for the courage they showed and the fighting spirit,” said Musikavanhu.
On record the tournament remains the only one nationwide to cater for both boys and girls.
At the end all participating teams were handed over soccer balls and some training equipment, while 12 best teams in 8 from the boys’ side and four in the girls’ side walked away with full kits.
Chief Associate member of the organization Blessing Mutsaka “At the end of the day football and youth empowerment was the eventual winner because of the huge numbers that we saw and services that were offered.
“We have a very flat prizing structure so that we cover as many teams as possible with sporting equipment because we know sport equipment is the greatest challenge junior football teams face across the country.”
