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VP Phelekezela Mphoko

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE government has embarked on an ambitious programme to revive Bulawayo through sport with acting President Phelekezela Mphoko promising to renovate the swimming pool and tennis courts at Barbourfields Stadium. Acting President Mphoko said this when he officiated at the 2016 City of Kings soccer tournament held at the same venue yesterday which was dubbed ‘reviving Bulawayo through sport’.

“To all of you who are here, we’ve a programme, a programme meant to revive Bulawayo through all spheres including sport. Barbourfields Stadium must be complete; we’ll try and revive that swimming pool as well as the tennis court. We’ll not only look at football but we’ll look at all sport codes. We were chatting here with a few guys that we need to revive sports in Bulawayo. We must revive rugby, tennis, and athletics among other sport codes. I promise you that we’ll call up all those in charge of the various sporting disciplines and see what exactly we can do. Bulawayo is known for its various sporting talent. We want to revive Bulawayo through sport,” said acting President Mphoko to thunderous applause from the crowd.

The tournament saw four teams and two primary schools participating with Mzilikazi Primary School, where the acting President attended school, winning in both girls and boys versions, beating St Patricks 6-0 in the boys version and 1-0 in the girls versions.

In the Under-18 competition, Highlanders and Bantu Rovers progressed to the final having beaten their semifinal opponents, How Mine and Bulawayo City respectively. Highlanders then lifted the trophy courtesy of a 4-3 penalty win with their Reward Muza clinching the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

His teammate, Andrew Mbeba was voted the Player of the Tournament while in the girls version, Natasha Gwatidzo of Mzilikazi Primary School scooped the Player of the Tournament accolade with Dion Ndlovu getting the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

The event was also attended by Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda, Zifa Southern Region boss Musa Mandaza, Zifa Bulawayo province acting chairman Francis Ntutha, former Highlanders chairman Ernest Sibanda, former secretary Horace Ndubiwa, celebrated juniors coach Ali Baba Dube, Bosso legends Zenzo Moyo and Methembe Ndlovu, Zimbabwe Saints legend Agent Sawu, Bulawayo City coach Philani Ncube, How Mine sports officer Ruebern Ndebele as well as Sport and Recreation Commission officials.