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Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum staged the inaugural $15,000 Zvishavane Community Soccer Tournament at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

“The purpose of the tournament is to give back to the Zvishavane community for the support we have enjoyed over the years, to grow the sport and of course scout for talent in Zvishavane. A number of young players were identified by ward coaches from the cluster games when teams were battling for qualification,” said Chido Chizondo, the FC Platinum spokesperson.

“The identified players will be assessed further at Kandodo Stadium from January 18 and those that make the grade will get an opportunity to be developed and may in future play for FC Platinum.”

She said the initiative came from the local MPs John Holder and Fred Moyo, who is also the Mines Deputy Minister.

Chesumha who represented Zvishavane Urban, won the event and walked away with $1,200, a floating trophy, gold medals and a branded kit.

Runners-up Mapedza from Mazvihwa received silver medals, a branded kit and $800. Third placed Mhondongori from the Msipani Cluster got bronze medals, a branded kit and $400, while Vukusvo from Masunda Cluster received a branded kit and $200.

FC Platinum also presented each cluster with four balls, ball pumps, whistles and a set of uniforms as part of their efforts to promote football in rural areas.

“We intend to include netball and women’s soccer next year and this is going to be an annual event,” said Chizondo.