Defender Ashley "Jaure" Mutonga starred in unfamiliar territory playing as a striker as she guided Fire Queens to victory in the Oracle Sport Fire Queens Football Tournament; Women and Girls against drugs and substance abuse Soccer Tournament played at Kuwadzana Primary School in Mt Hampden last week.
Matonga emerged the top goal scorer with four goals in three matches and was subsequently named player of the tournament.
Hosts Fire Queens won all their three matches to claim the trophy with nine points.
Solar Queens came second with four points after winning one, drawing win and losing once to the eventual champions.
Glenara Queens finished in third place ahead of Golden Stairs who finished fourth.
Komani Queens settled for fifth place but walked home as the most disciplined team and also providing the most disciplined player of the tournament.
Jaure was happy to be named the tournament's leading scorer as well as best player.
"It was good to see the girls regroup for a football tournament. It's really been long since we got a taste of football action this side but ironically we are just a stone throw away from the country's football headquarters, the Zifa Village. Something needs to be done to popularise football in this part of the country. We love football, we have the passion and commitment and we have the numbers as well," Mutonga told Standardsport.
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Fire Queens goalkeeper Primrose Ranjisi got the keeper of the tournament award while her coach Crispen Gomo won the coach of the tournament gong.
Fire Queens' 12-year-old midfielder Believe Chumwaya and Golden Stairs' 11-year-old striker, Makanaka Sixpence received the most promising players awards along with certificates and sheen pads courtesy of ARK Communications and Unlimited Sports Equipment Suppliers.
Herentals Group of Colleges proprietor Innocent Benza said the environment in which the games was enabling for behavioral change.
"In our mission is to combat drug abuse in line with His Excellence President Emmerson Mnangagwa's call. We are happy that the organisers of this tournament recognised the role that parents play and involved them during the workshop held on the sidelines of the games," said Benza.
"The tournament's inclusive and supportive environment if given the requisite backing will empower the girls to make positive choices and equip them with valuable life skills while playing the sport they so love,” Herentals FC striker added.
Oracle Sport marketing manager Blessing Chikadaga said her organisation will not rest until they eradicate drugs and substance abuse among the girls in the Mt Hampden compounds.
"The compounds in which these girls reside in have become places of both struggle and hope. Despite the limited resources and difficult living conditions, the spirit of these girls shines through their love for football as they refuse to let their circumstances define them," said Chikadaga.
Former Mighty Warriors midfielder Ennie Konje graced the tournament as the guest of honour.
She came together with her Football Ambassadors of Zimbabwe executive and together with Oracle Sport personnel conducted the sessions on drugs and substance abuse on the sidelines of the tournament.
