Itai Muzondo
BIKITA: It was a crisp autumn afternoon when the Chief Marozva Bikita Minerals Tournament kicked off in a small growth point that had seen better days.
Sponsored by Bikita Minerals, this is a flagship event, something the community look forward to every year.
With 12 teams participating for the trophy in the soccer discipline, Bikita Minerals won by 2 goals to nil in a heated final against Bikita Rulers, the Chief’s team.
Six teams also participated under the netball discipline, with Bikita Minerals also scooping gold in the final against Gombo.
Participants, stakeholders and community leaders however expressed the smooth running of the tournament as a ‘community victory’.
“I am happy! When we come for this tournament, everyone walks away with something making all participants winners. The major victory however is a whole community gathering to fight social ills as drug abuse.
“On the same platform, people discuss challenges and find solutions to these in an informal set up. I am happy on the how this tournament has managed unite the community,” said Chief Marozva born Ishmael Mudhe.
Added Bikita West member of parliament, Danny Makusha, “…this is a great initiative that brings us together as one family. We however urge the mine to further develop sporting facilities”.
Victory: More Than Just a Trophy
Winner walked away with trophies, medals and prize money.
However, as the ceremony closed down, the community had earned something much greater, ‘unity’ as expressed by Bikita Minerals spokesperson, Collin Nikisi.
“The community had become one. The celebration was electric. The players, soaked in sweat and smiles, lifted the trophy together and presented it to the custodians of the tournament; the community,” he added.
The tournaments’ story is no longer just about football. It is about perseverance, teamwork, and unity,” he further said.
“We love to see the community smile to such initiatives because our success is bestowed on them. We remain committed to supporting the Bikita community, added Bikita Minerals Vice General Manager Rongfu Jiang.
Running for the ninth year, Chief Marozva tournament also aims at encouraging good sportsmanship in the community as well as nurture talent among the youth.