By McGeorge Mbare
IN exactly five days’ time, Beitbridge’s NASH U20 district competition returns to Siyoka High School for the first time in over 16 years, when the competitions kick off on July 17 2026.
Zezani High School, Tongwe High School, and hosts Siyoka High have confirmed that the NASH U20 will kick off on Friday.
Anticipation continues to build across the district as Beitbridge prepares for the NASH U20 campaign that will determine the team to represent the district at the Matabeleland South Provincial NASH U20.
Over 12 schools, including defending champions Tongwe High, Zezani High School, Swereki, Malala, Nuli, and many more, will compete in the NASH U20 competition at Siyoka High School.
The much-anticipated U20 tournament will see talents from different schools showcase their skills and hunger to represent Beitbridge District at provincial level.
The 2025 champions, Tongwe High School, will be looking to secure back to back victories.
Tongwe has massive talent from the goalkeeping department to the forward line.
Seasoned goalkeeper Selector Mutenda, who also plays for Vhembe Stars Academy U19 Division 2, will play a crucial role for Tongwe High School, alongside teammates Brian Ndlovu, Joseph Ngwenya, and the sensational forward Emmanuel Ncube, who will lead the attack.
Emmanuel Ncube has recorded 3 goals in 2 matches for Vhembe Stars Academy U19 and will be one of the prominent players to watch from the Tongwe High School team.
Zezani High School, whose motto is Luntendo Na Zwiito (Faith and Deeds) also boasts Vhembe Stars Academy goalkeeper Upton Kunda, who has cemented his place in the team, alongside teammate Kundai Chikanya, who plays on the right wing.
An important factor is that almost half of the Beitbridge school teams produce players for Vhembe Stars Academy and Dulibadzimu United U19. This means many players are rivals at club level and teammates at school level or vice versa.
In 2025, Tongwe High School defeated Zezani High School U20 Boys at Swereki Secondary in a penalty shootout to book their place in the Matabeleland South Provincial NASH Competitions, extending an over 10year dominance in the U20 competitions.
The rivalry will continue to unfold at the much anticipated district tournament at Siyoka.