Senior Correspondent | Masvingo Province
ZIMUTO — Hundreds of young people from Gutu and Zimuto turned to sport this week as a healthy alternative to drug and substance abuse, during a two-day football tournament held at Chatsworth Grounds in Masvingo Province.
The event, held on Monday and Tuesday, drew around 300 players and spectators, with 12 football teams — 7 from Gutu and 5 from Zimuto — competing for trophies and gold medals.
The tournament was sponsored by Njiva Charities, led by US-based Zimbabwean Tsungai Njiva, among other local supporters.
Godfrey Mushamba, Chairperson of the event’s disciplinary committee, said the main goal was to promote sport as both a career path and a protective activity against drug abuse, especially among youth still in or recently out of school.
“Sport gives youth purpose and direction,” said Mushamba. “Once they’re engaged in football or netball, they stay off the streets and away from drugs.”
He added that there are plans to expand support for netball to ensure gender inclusivity, though attendance and participation among young women remain low.
“We want to promote both football and netball as viable career options. But we need more girls to come on board,” he said.
Beyond personal development, Mushamba noted that sport can help put local talent on the map internationally, boosting opportunities for young Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
Team leader Robson Kurwa echoed the sentiment, urging a mindset shift among youth and communities. He emphasized that sport is no longer just for fun — it’s a potential employment avenue.
“We must stop seeing football as just social entertainment. With proper investment and support, sport can create jobs and careers,” Kurwa said.
The tournament, which unfolded under chilly weather conditions, was a clear demonstration of sport’s power to mobilize, motivate, and inspire young people toward positive life choices.
As Zimbabwe continues to battle a rising tide of drug and substance abuse among youth, grassroots initiatives like this offer not just recreation — but real hope.
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