By McGeoge Mbare
THE Matabeleland South champions, Tongwe High School and finalists Bengo are set to represent the province at the National Association of Secondary School Head U20 National football championship, scheduled for 14–16 September at Prince Edward School in Harare.
Tongwe High School returns to the national stage for the fourth consecutive year in the U20 boys’ category.
The Beitbridge-based side, known by their motto Tshisima Tshavhutali, have been drawn in Group A alongside Chinhoyi, Goromonzi, Mutare Boys and Grace Missions.
Bengo have been placed in Group C alongside Mt Selinda, hosts Prince Edward, Musume and Mutondwe.
Pamushana are in Group D alongside Rusungunuko, Ngezi, Mpopoma and Alpha Mpapa, while Group B comprises Nkayi, Zvishavane High, Bradley, Nkulumane and Alan Wilson.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stages.
The NASH championship is expected to showcase an abundance of talent, including Zimbabwe’s number one goalkeeper, Siyanda Zimba, who is still eligible for the U17 category but will also feature in the U20 competition.
Tongwe also have several talented players to watch, notably Relicious Moyo, Brian Ndlovu and Joseph Ngwenya, who have made a name for themselves at the Beitbridge side’s academy, Vhembe Stars U19.
Ahead of Tongwe’s national campaign, the school’s Sportsmaster, Emmanuel Ramakgapola, challenged his team to excel and expressed their ambition to progress to the knockout stages, unlike in previous years when they bowed out in the group stages.
“We are going to compete, not just to add numbers. We hope the boys deliver,” Ramakgapola said.
Tongwe High School also released a statement rallying support behind the team.
“Our U20 boys’ soccer team is gearing up for the national showdown in Harare. Let’s rally behind the boys and show them our support,” the school stated.
Tonwe High School has dominated Matabeleland South Province and the Beitbridge District; however, they have not shown the same level of character when it comes to the national campaign.