By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
Like a river threatening to burst its banks, Dulibadzimu Stadium, at the heart of Beitbridge, was full to the brim—not with water like the river, but with people from all walks of life who had come to witness the next generation of football stars on parade in the expanded 2024 edition of the Ziyah Media Soccer Tournament.
Yes, the underlying factor was football, but when politicians, businesspeople, football legends, ordinary men, women, and children all converge, it becomes more than just a game; it transforms into a family spectacle for some, a thriving business opportunity for others, a fashion fiesta, and an employment opportunity for many.
That was the allure of the 2024 edition of the Ziyah Media Soccer Tournament. It turned into a family fun day where people of all ages and societal standings converged into one space. For vendors, it was a chance to cash in on the thousands who were part of the crowd; others found employment opportunities as security personnel, drivers, and members of the organizing team. The whole town buzzed from morning until the time the champions were crowned early in the evening.
Former Zimbabwean Warriors star and midfield magician Johannes Ngodzo’s presence spiced up the entire football fiesta as the younger generation found inspiration in this yesteryear great. Affectionately known as “Signature” by his fans when he donned the black and white of Highlanders and the green and gold of the Warriors, Ngodzo was leading the panel responsible for selecting outstanding players at the tournament.
The custodians of football in Zimbabwe, ZIFA, were well represented by Technical Director Jethro Hunidzarira, who was in the stands watching alongside Ziyah Media Director Loadwell Ziyadumah, the passionate football lover who is the brains behind the tournament.
Some of the boys and girls participating in the football fiesta are part of Beitbridge’s thriving soccer academy, the Vhembe Stars Academy, where the Ziyah Media boss also serves as co-director.
All the way from Harare, NRTV was part of the media present at the border to carry the good news to all four corners of the country and beyond.
In the end, football was the biggest winner, as an array of talent was on display, characterized by class and sheer determination to leave a mark and lay the foundation for future success in the game. The crowd was marvelous, cheering the boys and girls on at every turn. Perhaps the loudest cheer came when the two girls’ teams, Siyoka and Vhembe, clashed in the final, with the fans applauding almost every pass, dribble, and shot.
The dust has not yet settled, and the hype from the tournament has already left fans and stakeholders looking forward to the next edition of the event. Chibi returned to Masvingo smiling after successfully defending their title by defeating the same opponent, Vhembe High, while Zezani went home with the bronze. In the girls’ section, Siyoka upstaged Vhembe to be crowned inaugural champions.