US$5 000 Inyathi tournament to feature football and netball teams

Inyathi will host a US$5 000 football and netball tournament on Sunday, with healthcare workers, members of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), and young players taking part. The event is being staged under the name Councillor Ignatious Khabo Sports Tournament.

Local councillor and ruling party politician Ignatious Khabo is financing the competition. The tournament is intended to provide sporting activity for young people in Ward 8, while also supporting participation from the hospital and prison communities.

A total of US$3 800 will be distributed across the football and netball prizes, including awards for the winners and consolation teams. Participating sides will also receive playing kits, together with footballs and netballs for use at future competitions.

The football section will include Mahlabathini FC, Mahlabathini United, Best FC, Inyathi Hospital FC and Inyathi Prison FC. Inyathi Hospital FC will be made up of healthcare professionals, while ZPCS members will compete as Inyathi Prison FC.

Khabo said the tournament formed part of efforts to keep young people away from drug and substance abuse. He also linked the event to the call for ruling party leaders in local areas to take a leading role in addressing that problem, alongside youth employment initiatives.

Netball teams will also compete, although their names were not provided. The tournament therefore brings together community players and workers from key local institutions, with the prize money, equipment and participation opportunities forming the main elements of Sunday’s programme.