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Conrad Mupesa Mash West Bureau

A sports gala to honour the fallen heroes and campaign against drug-abuse was held in Zvimba North Constituency over the weekend amid calls from sporting legends for corporates to promote and revive sporting academies.

Speaking at Mutorashanga Stadium in Zvimba’s Ward 15 at the Marian Chombo Heroes’ Sports Tournament, sporting legends and premier league coaches bemoaned untapped sporting skills from rural areas, where vast talents die unnoticed.

Former Caps United midfielder Lloyd Chitembwe said while raw talent from rural communities was waiting to be identified and nurtured by well established sporting teams, there was a need for legislators, corporates and local authorities to invest in sport.

“We have been here for the past five hours watching soccer games to scout talent for nurturing. We managed to observe only five skilled players that we feel, might need at least two years of further training.

“If our legislators, corporates and council invest in sports, we will be able to create employment and have a wider base for national team building,” he said.

Yesteryear legend and Warriors veteran Stix Mutizwa concurred with Chitembwe adding such tournaments would help them identify talents from all walks of life.

The current Black Rhinos FC coach, and former Dynamos and Caps United player, Mutizwa, also bemoaned drug abuse among youth which affects talent.

“I am a product of youth clubs having been identified by Dynamos FC at a tender age where I was nurtured and got a lease of life. There is need to promote local talent,” said the legendary striker.

Local legislator and Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Cde Marian Chombo, who bankrolled the tournament, said drug abuse was rampant in the mining and farming constituency with well-known drug pushers going unpunished.

“This tournament is to honour the fallen heroes while at the same time having them identified as we invited sporting legends for talent scouting.

“Drug abuse is rampant around Mazvikadei area where they are brewing banned staff. It is painful to note that some of the players here failed to qualify as their performances have been affected by drug abuse,” she said.

Four youths from the constituency will be representing Zimbabwe during the SADC handball games with the Member of Parliament now sourcing funds for their passports and other needs.

Beneficiaries lauded the tournament saying it was going to uncover ignored talent.

Evidence Chiungwa, a netball player requested for more tournaments to take away youths drugs while volleyball player Brian Limbikani said apart from talent scouting and getting together, the event had awarded them the time to honour and respect liberation struggle heroes’ sacrifices.