TOL Cup football tournament kicked off on Tuesday evening as Ghona and Kyomu fought to a barren draw in a breath taking battle at Kahe Mashariki Ward sports ground in Moshi.

Despites a heavy downpour during the match, players from both teams showed much vigour, commitment and game spirit, trying to take an early lead but defenders were up to their heels to thwart any danger.

The ten- day tournament, which involves six teams from Kahe Mashariki and sponsored by the public gas firm, TOL, has created a platform for youths from Vunjo District in Kilimanjaro Region to uphold peace and remind them of the need to work hard to achieve their goals and become major contributors to national development.

Speaking just before kickoff, TOL Marketing Manager Timea Chogo said his firm was proud to support the sporting event. He expressed the company's commitment to developing talents in rural areas in the field of football and other sporting activities.

"In fact, we are pleased to be able to contribute to youth development through sports. TOL is committed and determined to support local communities such as this, working hand in hand with government and local community leaders in an effort to enhance development in sectors such as sport," said Chogo.

However, he was quick to call upon other companies to join in supporting sports in rural areas, saying, "We cannot succeed if we do it single handily....other private companies, institutions, must also play their part."

For his part, TOL Cup coordinator Kamili Mmbando said we appreciated TOL support, saying, "I believe this event will open a new chapter for rural youths in Kahe Mashariki ward and the entire Kilimanjaro Region."

He named the six teams competing in the tournament as Nikochandindo, Kyomu, Ghona, Mkameni, Soko and Kilototoni, but added that doors will be opened for more teams to participate in the coming years.

On behalf of Moshi District Commissioner, Vunjo Division Officer Amina Khamisuu, who was the chief guest at the event, said TOL has shown the way for other private companies to enable youth participate in sporting activities, instead of staying idle and engaging in dirty politics.