By Meditation Mposi
Masvingo Junior league’s Jojo academy lifted the Zishiri under 15 soccer trophy in a tournament that was played on August 10, 2024 at Mucheke stadium and was sponsored by local businessman and football fanatic Tawanda Zishiri.
Speaking to Tellzim news, Masvingo Junior Soccer League chairperson Richard Munyenye said eight teams in the Masvingo Junior league participated during the Zishiri Cup under 15 tournament.
Munyenye said they were looking forward for another tournament in December during school holidays since most of the players go to school.
“Mr Zishiri promised to source funds and sponsor another tournament in December with lots of awards and prizes, a bigger trophy than of this tournament, some soccer equipment for children’s motivation.
“As the Chairperson of the Masvingo Junior Soccer League l would like to thank parents for their unwavering support, coaches from different teams, the players, well-wishers who help in our clubs, Masvingo City Council which allows us to use its facilities, Mr Zishiri and Advocate Shumba who gave our players some refreshments,” said Munyenye
On his part Zishiri said he sponsored the tournament because he has love for young people and a passion in football. He said he had been to the grounds several times seeing young people playing without getting anything in return.
“I am a person who loves young people and have a passion in football. I have been to the playing grounds several times watching young people playing without getting anything in return and I decided to arrange something good to motivate them.
“My goal is that young people’s football be recognized in Masvingo. I am happy that during this tournament parents came including those in South Africa to watch the tournament. I want parents at home to see that their children’s efforts are recognized.
“I am looking forward to hold these tournaments every first week of the children’s holiday. I was not expecting a large number that came to watch the tournament of the juniors playing and that shows the unwavering support of the parents,” said Zishiri.
Tournament consisted of Jojo Academy, Fair Deal F.C, Mzansi FC, Blessing Academy, Rujeko Academy, K.C Academy, Lav Lam F.C and Strikers F.C.Jojo academy won in the finals against Blessing academy 1-0.The two teams which came in the first and second position were given awards.
Jojo academy played versus Fair Deal FC and Jojo academy won 4-3 during the penalties.
Mzansi FC played versus Blessing Academy and Blessing academy won 1- 0 and Rujeko Academy played K.C Academy and won 1-0.
Lav Lam played against Strikers F.C and won on the penalties 5-4 and proceeded to semi-finals together with Jojo Academy, Blessing Academy and Rujeko Academy.
During the same finals Jojo Academy played versus Lav Lam and Jon academy won 5-4 during the penalties. Blessing Academy versus Rujeko academy and Blessing Academy won 2- nil.
Jojo Academy went to the finals with Blessing Academy and won with a goal to nil.
Jojo Academy won a trophy and a certificate while Blessing Academy got a certificate.
