By Courage Dutiro
This year’s edition of the 18-year-old Mlilo tournament held on November 30 and December 1, 2024, ended on a high note as teams from three districts of Manicaland province clashed for the tournament’s championship.
The tournament saw eleven teams participating in the male soccer category and five netball teams racing for the title.
One of the organizers and sole sponsor of the tournament, Innocent Mlilo of Innolid Investments headquartered in Chipinge Town said the tournament was a gesture of social responsibility to community and need to entertain people through sports.
“The tournament started in 2005 with only eight participating teams. This year, eleven teams, including some from Mutare and Chiredzi, took part. The tourney was born from the need to appreciate clients who support Innolid Investments and also as a way of promoting sports in the community,” said Mlilo.
He also said in the next two years, he foresees the tournament incorporating some teams from as far as Masvingo and Harare as a way of promoting the development of the game of football.
Mlilo, who is passionate about sports, also said through such tournaments, some players will have a chance to showcase their talent and could end up playing for other bigger teams in the province.
In this year’s edition, Clearwaters Football Club (FC) were crowned the 2024 Mlilo tournament champions after defeating ZRP Support Birchnough Bridge one-nil in the final match played at Gaza Stadium, while in netball, South Down were declared the champions after edging Clearwaters in the final stages of the tournament.
Other teams that also participated in the tournament include Chazunguza FC from Mutare, Blue Rovers from Chiredzi, Ngorima FC, Mumengo FC, Makondo FC both from Chimanimani, Gabbana FC, South Down FC and Chipinge Junior Academy FC all from Chipinge District.
