By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
South Sudan’s blind football team has been crowned champions of the Blind Football Division Two Tournament after defeating Uganda in the final match played at Hamz Stadium in Kampala.
From the streets of Juba to the heart of Kampala, the South Sudan team arrived with determination and left with victory.
After defeating both Uganda and Zimbabwe (represented by Great Zimbabwe University) earlier in the week, South Sudan dominated the final to secure the title.
Yona Sabir, the tournament’s top scorer, opened the scoring with one goal, while Martin Lodule added two more to complete a 3–0 win over Uganda.
The Division Two tournament featured eight teams registered to compete, but only South Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe managed to take part.
Despite the limited turnout, the competition provided an important platform for visually impaired athletes to showcase their skill and teamwork.
Held from 25 to 30 October 2025, the tournament forms part of the Blind Football African Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
The event highlighted the growing strength of blind football across Africa and reinforced the message that disability is not inability, as teams displayed remarkable resilience, coordination, and sporting spirit.
Meanwhile Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s six-member blind football outfit became pioneers of the inaugural tourney.
The team departed on Friday, 24 October 2025.
In their official statement on their Facebook page, GZU confirmed that the delegation pioneered three athletes Anotida Siwela, Talent Mugadza, and Cover Mugwadhi who were selected during the national trials held in Bulawayo in September 2025.
The delegation also included three officials, Sports Director Olivart Guvuriro, team coach Dr Farisai Mlambo, a lecturer in the Department of Teacher Development, and an accompanying staff member.
The tournament, which ran from 25 to date is a key stepping stone toward the 2028 International Blind Football Championships.
GZU is the only team representing Zimbabwe in the competition.
In their statement, GZU expressed pride and support for the team, wishing them success and a rewarding experience on their first international tour.
Blind football, also known as five-a-side football for athletes with visual impairments, is part of a growing movement to highlight ability over disability.
The sport empowers visually impaired athletes to showcase their skills, agility, and teamwork on an international stage, emphasizing that disability is not inability.
The Zonal Qualifying Tournament provided a platform for athletes from different countries to compete, develop their talents, and gain international exposure in a supportive and inclusive environment.
For GZU, taking part marks a milestone in advancing inclusive education and sports development.
For Zimbabwe, it represents growing recognition of athletes with disabilities and the country’s commitment to equality and participation on the global stage.