THE usually serene picturesque Chipitiri Business Centre in Chihota reverberates into life as villagers throng the area for an Africa Day sports tournament.
Despite the chilly weather often associated with this area in Marondera West constituency, people of all ages defied nature’s hazards, all to attend a sport festivity that has become popular since its launch some months ago.
The Chihota Soccer and Netball League has become a household name in the area, with each matches attracting scores of villagers.
The sports league is sponsored by the Rufaro Zonde Foundation.
“I cannot afford to miss a game,” said Tapiwa Murenga, a horticulture farmer in Chihota.
“This is our entertainment here”
The sports league has united people in Chihota in fighting against drug and substance use.
Rufaro Zonde Foundation chief executive officer Jeremiah Gwanzura told NewsDay Weekender Society that the sports league has gone a milestone in shaping the future youth generation through fighting drug abuse and talent identification.
“We came up with a soccer and netball league in this area all for the benefit of this community,” he said.
“We have recorded successes in fighting drug abuse, gender-based violence, among other societal ills.
“The soccer league has attracted notable established teams in the Division 1, who came down here to identify talent.”
Both soccer and netball leagues comprise each of eight teams drawn from different wards, including those near Mahusekwa Growth Point.
“We injected some reasonable amount of money in this league, with all participants set to win something as it concludes,” Gwanzura added.
“Just like any other league, we have cup games in between, like Independence Cup, the Africa Day Cup, that have separate budgets.
“The response is refreshing. The support from the community is encouraging. Sport activities have become the thing in this area.”
On Africa Day, all teams that participated in three cup tournaments walked away with balls, while those that won got lucrative prize monies and trophies.
The sports league has also brought smiles to traders, who throng playgrounds to sell their wares.
