Gwanda set to host inaugural KCD Mohadi Soccer and Netball Tournament Dr Evelyn Ndlovu speaks on the KCD Mohadi tournament

Sukukwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

All is set for the first edition of the KCD Mohadi soccer and netball tournament, which begins on Saturday at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda.

A brainchild of the Zanu PF Matabeleland South Provincial Youth League, the tournament celebrates the revolutionary who has dedicated his life to the defence of his country’s sovereignty.

Over 7,000 youths from across the province are expected to attend. Twelve soccer teams and twelve netball teams will converge at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, representing 12 constituencies, to take part in the two-day event set for Saturday and Sunday. Knockout stages and third-place play-offs will be played on Saturday, while the final matches will take place on Sunday, with Vice President Kembo Mohadi in attendance.

Speaking during a press conference, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, called on residents from the province to turn out in numbers and support the programme.

She said the tournament, which will become an annual event, will play a crucial role in fighting the drug and substance abuse scourge.

“We came up with a plan to honour our Vice President, Cde KCD Mohadi, who hails from Matabeleland South, through this tournament. We honour his early childhood participation in the liberation struggle, where he lost part of his youth life incarcerated for taking a stand against the colonial regime. We also honour him for his participation post-independence, where he held various influential positions, up until he became Vice President of the country.

“We decided to honour him through this soccer and netball tournament for youths. We expect teams to arrive in Gwanda today. Accommodation has been arranged for the participants, as well as other necessary arrangements to ensure that these children are taken care of. This event, which will now become an annual event, will help us fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” she said.

Dr Ndlovu said the tournament will mark the start of sporting activities that the youths will engage in throughout the year in preparation for the next tournament. She said legislators in the province will be expected to organise inter-district competitions to ensure the sustainability of the tournament. Dr Ndlovu also mentioned that such sporting events can help identify skills in youths and groom them. She said sport is a reliable career path that youngsters can pursue if well supported.

“I would like to urge the people of Matabeleland South, especially those around Gwanda, to take part in this event. We have to come together if we want to develop our communities and nation. This tournament will have far-reaching effects and can significantly contribute to developing our province,” she said.

@DubeMatutu

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