By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – The National Independent Colleges Association in Zimbabwe (NICAZ)
successfully hosted its inaugural provincial ball games in Gutu, drawing 68 teams from across
Masvingo Province’s six districts, with Gutu District emerging as the top performer by winning
at least five titles at the event held at Fambisai Christian Academy on June 19, 2026.
The games brought together independent colleges from across Masvingo Province, with six
districts, Masvingo, Bikita, Chivi, Zaka, Gutu and Chiredzi represented, except for Mwenezi.
Teams competed in 13 sporting codes, including soccer, girls’ soccer, netball, volleyball,
basketball, handball, and baseball, across three age groups: Under15, Under17, and Under20.
NICAZ Masvingo Provincial Chairperson and Zaka’s Pecom Academy Director Sarah Munemo
said the tournament was successfully held and attracted strong participation from schools across
the province.
She said 68 teams from 32 colleges took part in the competition, showcasing sporting talent and
competing for qualification to the national finals.
“The provincial games were successfully held in Gutu with participation from 32 colleges and 68
teams competing in different sporting disciplines. The games went well, and we are now busy
preparing for the national games as a province,” said Munemo.
Gutu’s dominance was spearheaded by hosts Fambisai Christian Academy, which won the
Under17 and Under20 netball titles as well as the boys’ and girls’ Under17 volleyball
competitions. Royal Priest Wood added to the district’s success by winning the Under15 netball
title.
Other notable performers included Perseverance College, also from Gutu, which won the boys’
and girls’ Under17 basketball titles as well as the Under16 and Under20 soccer divisions.
Masvingo Urban secured victories in boys’ handball and both the boys’ and girls’ Under17 soccer
categories, while Chivi claimed the girls’ handball title.
Munemo said the provincial champions would now represent Masvingo Province at the NICAZ
National Games in Harare.
“The qualifiers will represent Masvingo Province at the NICAZ National Games on July 8 in
Harare and preparations for the national tourney are currently underway,” she said.
The games marked a significant milestone for NICAZ, which was formed after independent
colleges broke away from NASH.
Munemo said the event was not only about competition but also about participation and
discipline and thanked the directors for the support they gave to the colleges despite financial
constraints.
“We are not looking at the numbers, but we are looking at the participation of those various
colleges from the districts. I want to thank the directors, financial resources were constrained, but
they managed to pull the ends together and make the day successful,” she said.
She also praised the high level of discipline displayed throughout the tournament, saying it was
all excitement and no form of violence was recorded.
“We never had an incident of violence. We never had any disruption. What we really noticed
was the excitement among the students, they were so excited and happy, and we hope to
maintain the same in all our future events,” Munemo said.
Munemo thanked college directors for their support despite financial constraints.
“Financial resources were constrained, but they managed to pull the ends together and make the
day successful,” she said.
She noted that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had recommended that colleges
be divided into five clusters under NICAZ for the coordination of sports.
“Right now, as we speak, we are busy putting every end into order. Districts, provincials will be
talking of district,” she said.
The quality of competition, she said, was impressive and the association plans to grow the event
next year by inviting stakeholders and talent scouts.
“We want to go abroad as districts. Right now, we are going to the Ministry of Primary and
Secondary Education, the provincial office, the districts. We are going to grow bigger and better
with time. Next year, it will be a bigger event,” Munemo said.
Zaka was represented by Pecom Academy and Victorious College while Chiredzi was
represented by Verengai Academy and Rufaro Academy.
Gutu was represented by Royal Academy, Living Pool College, Fambisayi Academy, and
Perseverance College.
Masvingo Urban was represented by Berylyn Academy, Southern City Academy, Wisedel
Academy, Destinygate Academy, Vision Academy, Evalasting academy, and Vulturesvale
Academy.
Chivi was represented by Good Hope, Marvelous, OakWood Academy, Blessed Academy, and
Good Shepherd College.
