By Courage Dutiro
In celebration of the 2024 Africa Day, youths in Bikita took to the field at Mazungunye High School for a football game that surpassed mere sport.
The event, organized by Masvingo Root of Development Organization Trust (MaRODO), saw three teams from wards 4 and 5 of Bikita Rural District Council namely Siya New Kickers, Matsvange Scorers Club and Maipisi Football Club participating.
The teams played two matches each, winning one and losing one as part of Africa Day Celebrations which ran under the theme Education Fit for the 21st Century.
As the final whistle blew, MaRODO’s Director, Acknowledge Mawere emphasized that in order to achieve this year’s Africa Day vision, education systems must confront critical issues such as drug abuse, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) practices like child marriage and abuse which impede young people’s access to education.
“Our education systems must prioritize addressing these issues, as engaging in drugs can impede young people’s access to education.
“Similarly, GBV stands as a formidable adversary to this year’s Africa Day theme, encompassing detrimental practices such as child marriages, physical and emotional abuse of children, and the hindrance of girls’ access to education.
“These issues threaten the inclusivity of our learning systems. As Africans, we must unite to combat these societal ills,” said Mawere.
He also called on the young people themselves to actively resist drug and substance abuse.
The participating teams expressed their gratitude for MaRODO’s support, regrettably MaRODO cited financial constraints, expressing an inability to expand support due to absence of funding from stakeholders.
Brian Toperesu who was representing Matsvange Scorers Club, emphasized the transformative power of MaRODO’s mentorship beyond the game itself.
“Beyond the opportunity to play soccer, we deeply value the life lessons imparted by the MaRODO team,” said Toperesu.
Trimore Gokovo, who led Maipisi Football Club, articulated the team’s desire to compete at a professional level, envisioning a future where their talent shines on a national stage.
“We aspire to compete at a higher level. Our dream is to have one of our own representing us at a prestigious club or in the national team,” said Gokovo.
Tafadzwa Kamhunga, leader and spokesperson for the Siya New Kickers, expressed his gratitude for MaRODO’s support. However, he highlighted the critical need for increased public backing for sporting initiatives, citing a significant lack of essential resources.
