Chikomba East coordinator, Cde Lovemore Muchakandiona Masunungure has stated that the Annual Felix Tapiwa Mhona tournament, scheduled for Duvhurwi in August, aims to directly benefit the people of Chikomba East, reflecting the MP’s commitment to community development.
He clarified that his office has been flooded with requests from individuals outside the constituency, prompting the need to reiterate that the Annual Felix Tapiwa Mhona tournament is specifically designed to benefit the people of Chikomba East.
“The people of Chikomba East voted Hon Mhona into office. He is there to serve them, and as such, this tournament is specifically designed to benefit the locals, the people of Chikomba East,” said Masunungure.
He added, “By hosting this tournament, Hon Mhona is ensuring that empowerment reaches Chikomba East people directly, the leader they chose to represent them. Hon Mhona wants everyone to feel part of the family, not just during election time when votes are needed, but always”.
Masunungure emphasized that only players from within the wards and constituency will be allowed to participate, with voter registers potentially used for verification, and party leadership expected to ensure adherence to the guidelines.
Masunungure also highlighted that sports can be a viable source of income for the youth, providing opportunities for economic empowerment and a brighter future.
“Hon Mhona’s idea and vision is that sport can be a form of employment, creating opportunities for our youth to earn a living and support their families,” Masunungure said, noting that the Minister had recently emphasized this point in his address at this year’s Marathon and Wellness Day.
He also emphasized that sports is crucial for the community as it provides a platform for socialization, fosters a healthy constituency, and serves as a vital tool in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Co ordinator Masunungure mentioned that Hon Mhona is actively implementing H. E Cde E. D Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no place and no one behind,” ensuring inclusive development and opportunities for all constituents.
“He is implementing the President’s mantra of leaving no place and no one behind, making sure that everyone in our constituency benefits from development initiatives and has access to opportunities. This tournament is an annual event, and we rotate the hosting places; in 2022, it was held in Masasa, Rutanhira hosted in 2023, Chimowa took the baton in 2024, and this year, we are proud to be hosting it in Duvhurwi.
“From this trend, it is clear that everyone in the constituency is involved, as we continue to rotate the hosting places, ensuring that each part of our community gets a chance to participate and benefit,” Masunungure said.
He added that this year’s tournament has shifted from a district-based approach to a ward-based approach.
“This year, we have moved from a district-based approach to a ward-based approach, which will enable more people to participate and get involved at the grassroots level. They will select players and form a team to represent them in the tournament, promoting healthy competition and community engagement,” Masunungure said.
Masunungure revealed the groupings for the tournament, with Ward 25, 26, and 27 in Group A; Ward 14, 16, 19, and 20 in Group B; Ward 2, 15, 17, and 18 in Group C; and Ward 3, 21, and 23 in Group D.
He announced that the provisional dates for the qualifiers are July 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the main tournament on August 12 at Duvhurwi.
The qualifiers will follow a round-robin format, with games played at a center agreed upon by the teams, and the tournament will be professionally managed to uphold the reputation of Hon. MP Cde FT Mhona and ZANU PF.
Masunungure also encouraged participants to look forward to the tournament, noting that the prizes this year will be even more attractive compared to last year, further incentivizing teams to compete.
He took time to announce again that there is going to be a Unity Cup in December between Chikomba East and Chikomba West to be hosted by Chikomba East at a venue yet to be announced.
The Annual F.T. Mhona tournament is an oversubscribed event that draws large crowds, and last year’s edition also provided the community with the added benefit of free medical care on the day.
By: Jeremiah Gora
