Published by the government of Zimbabwe
3 October 2008
Harare — A DAY-LONG football festival explodes into life in Mabvuku tomorrow when the second edition of the Ziva Kwawakabva tournament is held at the eastern suburb's main football ground.
The tournament will feature six junior teams drawn from Mabvuku, Mbare, Mufakose, Chitungwiza, Glen View and Highfield -- bringing together some of the finest teenage talent in those areas.
Six social clubs will also grace the occasion later in the afternoon.
The Ziva Kwawakabva concept is the brainchild of businessman Chamu Chiwanza, who grew up in Mabvuku, and has a passion for the development of youth football.
Chiwanza, through his company Primetime Motors, believes businessmen should plough back into their old communities and he shares a passion for the development of junior football talent.
"We have been involved in the football youth development programme that is run by Desmond Ali here in Mabvuku for a long time.
"But we decided last year that we should not let Ali carry all the burden and decided to come up with this concept called Ziva Kwawakabva.
"So we bring in a number of junior teams from the other suburbs in the capital and we have a good and competitive tournament the whole day.
"But this year we have also decided to add colour to the occasion and we will have some social clubs also playing and you will see people like Dr Zobha in action.
"So while the serious aspect of this festival is on the youth tournament, there is also the other colourful side and we believe the combination of these two will make it a day to remember."
Chiwanza believes this concept should not only be restricted to Mabvuku but also to other areas in the capital.
"Our concentration is on Mabvuku because that is where we come from but we believe that we should spread it elsewhere and have such festivals in Mbare, Mufakose, Highfield, Warren Park and Chitungwiza.
"Football talent has shown over the years that it is found in the ghettos and that is where we should invest our money in and if a number of businessmen come together, we could be running a competitive junior league programme in this city."
Chiwanza said while his company had injected a lot of money into the project, it was worth the sacrifice.
"Our young boys have a lot of talent but they need the financial help at a very young age and I'm happy that my brother Moses Chunga is running his academy.
"So at Primetime Motors we are ready to run the huge costs that come with hosting such an event because we believe it's worth the sacrifice.
"So we have invited Honourable Member of the House of Assembly Saviour Kasukuwere as our guest of honour while we have also received the backing of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association through their leader Eddie Nyatanga.
"The official function starts at 10am and it will be fun throughout until the end of the day."
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