By Virginia Njovo
GUTU – The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe brought together men from congregations across
the country for a vibrant weekend of football, fellowship and evangelism at Gutu Mission from
October 23 to 25, 2026, with ZIMNAT General Insurance sponsoring the national men’s soccer
tournament.
Running under the theme “VAKRISTU MUMBA MAVO”, the tournament demonstrated how
sport can be used as a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel, strengthening Christian unity and
building relationships among believers from different congregations. It attracted teams from
across the country, transforming Gutu Mission into a hub of sporting excitement, Christian
fellowship and friendly competition.
On the pitch, the competition reached an exciting conclusion, with Gutu Presbytery emerging as
champions and walking away with trophies. Glenview Presbytery finished as first runners-up,
followed by Seke Central and Highfields. Nathan Mazhara of Gutu was awarded the best player
of the tournament, while Beardsley Mabenge of Seke Central emerged as the top goal scorer.
Speaking with TellZim News, RCZ Men’s League Chairperson Reverend Simbarashe Gweme
expressed gratitude to ZIMNAT for making the tournament a memorable celebration of sport
and Christian unity.
“I want to express my gratitude to ZIMNAT for their continued support in our church’s activities.
They helped us with refreshments, soccer kits which were given to some of the teams, and they
also provided medals and various trophies.
“This successful gathering highlighted the potential of sports evangelism to extend the Church’s
ministry beyond traditional worship spaces, creating opportunities to engage communities
through activities that unite people across geographical and congregational boundaries,” said Rev
Gweme.
ZIMNAT General Insurance’s sponsorship underscored the importance of partnerships between
the corporate sector and faith-based organisations in supporting community engagement, youth
and adult participation in sport, and initiatives that bring people together around a common
purpose. The partnership also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of ZIMNAT’s
commitment to protecting individuals, families, farmers and businesses against unexpected risks.
As a provider of short-term insurance solutions in Zimbabwe, ZIMNAT offers a range of
products including Personal Motor Insurance, Home and Household Insurance, Travel Insurance,
Personal Accident Cover, Comprehensive Motor and Fleet Insurance, Third-Party Insurance,
Agricultural Insurance and MyBusiness Protector Cover, as well as specialist products such as
construction, public liability, engineering and marine insurance.
Speaking during the event, ZIMNAT Chief Underwriter Happious Chipato said the organisation
encourages people to protect themselves, their businesses and their loved ones against disasters.
“Through these products, ZIMNAT encourages individuals and organizations to consider the
importance of protecting their vehicles, homes, businesses, agricultural investments and personal
wellbeing against unforeseen events, for example the damage which was done in Masvingo
recently with the hailstorm,” said Chipato.
The RCZ men’s soccer tournament at Gutu Mission stood as an example of how sport, faith and
corporate partnership can work together to advance a shared community purpose. As the teams
returned to their respective congregations, the message remained clear: football can be more than
a game. When guided by faith and a commitment to evangelism, it can become a platform for fellowship, service and spreading the Gospel.
