MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Chinemhere FC has won the inaugural five team Chinemhere U17 round robin tournament held recently at Ndarama High School.
The Nemamwa based club received US$100, a trophy and medals. The academy is coached by Takura Ndlovu.
Lav Lam FC came second with five points from its four fixtures and received US$50. Blessing Academy came third with five points from three fixtures. The team lost out to Lav Lam FC on goal difference.
Rujeko Academy came fourth with five points and lost on goal difference while Fair Deal FC anchored the five team log with two points from its four fixtures.
Conrad Maredza of Chinemhere FC won the golden boot with two goals while his goalkeeper Tawananyasha Negesai was crowned best goalkeeper of the tournament with two clean sheets. They both walked away US$50 richer.
The tournament was organised and sponsored by Ephraim Makuchete popularly known as Benstage. He is also the founder of Chinembiri FC. The academy has under nine – Under 23 players.
He told The Mirror that the tournament is a talent scouting platform and to encourage youth to desist from drug and substance abuse and being idle in community.
“I formed my academy to support youth in the Great Zimbabwe/ Nemamwa area and sponsored this tournament to bring football academies together. We need to give youth direction, purpose and teach them to stay away of negative vices.
“I sponsored the tournament out of passion and we need sponsors to come on body and bring order to our academies,” he said.
Makuchete added that they are now planning an Under 20 tournament that will attract more academies across Masvingo.
“Our vision is to have some of the children taken up on scholarship by schools. So far we have three pupils at Pamushana High and four at Chibi High School. We want football to give the next generation a sense of belonging and purpose,” he added.