Binga Heroes Day tournament draws 23 teams in successful debut

The inaugural Binga South Constituency Heroes Day tournament brought 23 teams together for three days of soccer and netball, and organisers have declared the event a success. The programme ran from August 9 to 13 and featured 13 soccer teams alongside 10 netball sides.

Bafana Bafana of Saba in Ward 13 won the soccer competition. Their reward included a playing kit and trophy. Redsea from Mupambe Sichimnwali Village finished as runners-up, while Saba Ward’s Shooting Stars took third place and Green Arrows of Lubanda Village completed the top four.

Lusulu Queens claimed the netball title. Saba Stars, Hot Spears of Chinonge Area and Magumeni from Lusulu were also recognised for their performances in the competition.

The tournament was held as a sporting way for young people to mark Zimbabwe’s Heroes Day. It also created a setting for discussions on issues affecting youths in Binga, including drug and substance abuse, crime and early child marriages.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police took part in the programme with crime-awareness activities. Organisers also used the occasion to encourage young people to take advantage of empowerment initiatives available in Binga, while warning that illicit alcohol and cannabis were damaging the lives of youths in the constituency.

Organisers intend to make the tournament an annual event. Plans include attracting more teams and improving the prizes, giving the competition a larger platform in future editions. The programme also featured performances, including an appearance by Lubu Muchesu, a BaTonga dance group focused on preserving Tonga culture. Zambian musician Money Micho had been scheduled to perform but was unable to attend because of elections in Zambia.