The Hon F.T Mhona Annual Sports Tournament qualifiers concluded yesterday, and shortly after, a draw for the finals was conducted at Masasa, producing matchups that many described as mouth-watering.
Following dominating displays from Cllr Hon Gurende’s Ward 15 in both soccer and netball, as well as a strong showing from Masasa in soccer, netball, and women’s soccer, it was left to the Hon Mhona Tournament administration to conduct the draw.
The draw, which seeded group winners, ensured that no team would play a team from the same group in the quarterfinals, scheduled for Day 1 of the 2-day event in mid-August, likely to be held at Daramombe in Duvhurwi.
Of particular interest is the soccer draw that pits neighbors Ward 17 against Ward 3; this matchup, along with Ward 23 vs. Ward 15, has become a talking point. Masasa Chairman, Cde Chris Bishi, was confident but cautious.
“I have watched Ward 3 at Chokodza, but I am sure you have seen that our team has improved. I promise an exciting battle, especially since the players know each other,” he said.
Ward 15, which arrived in an overflowing bus, had a fruitful outing, collecting all nine points in both netball and soccer. However, their disjointed women’s soccer team found both Ward 18 and Ward 17 too strong and failed to qualify, putting a dent in an otherwise well-organized ward that had Cllr Kangachepe’s support, as she sang motivational songs all day long in their favor.
Now, the Ward 15 team will have to contend with Cllr Tinashe Brilliant Manyewe’s Ward 23 in soccer, and many will be looking forward to this highly anticipated contest at Duvhurwi.
In netball, Ward 20 Gokomere, which failed to win last year, has avoided last year’s champions, Zvamatobwe Ward 23, and will face a promising Masasa team that boasts Rasta and center player Dhaimano, a small but dynamic player who seems to be back with a bang. Masasa was too good for Ward 18 Mhaka, whom they routed 20-nil yesterday.
While nothing is certain in sports, just as we did not foresee Chelsea becoming Club World Champions, it is likely we will see Wards 17, 3, 23, and 18 in the women’s soccer semifinals, although Pokoteke Ward 27 shouldn’t be completely discounted.
When everything is said and done, the Hon F.T. Mhona Tournament has been hailed as a significant event that, together with the Annual Hon F.T. Half Marathon, is helping reduce various ills among the youth in Chikomba East Constituency.
The MP for the area, Hon Minister F.T. Mhona, has been praised for his vision, which aligns with HE Cde Dr. Emerson Mnangagwa’s call to accelerate the fight against drug and substance abuse among youths.
Here is the draw as released by Hon Mhona’s Coordinator Cde Lovemore Masunungure;
*DUVHURWI 2025*
*Quarter final draw*
*Netball*
*A* Ward 17 vs Ward 20
*B* Ward 16 vs Ward 15
*C* Ward 3 vs Ward 25
*D* Ward 23 vs Ward 27
*Queen soccer*
*A* Ward 17 vs Ward 25
*B* Ward 3 vs Ward 14
*C* Ward 16 vs Ward 23
*D* Ward 18 vs Ward 27
*Soccer*
*A* Ward 3 vs Ward 17
*B* Ward 23 vs Ward 15
*C* Ward 26 vs Ward 14
*D* Ward 16 vs Ward 25
Following the quarter final draw above the semis will proceed as follows.
WInner A vs Winner C
Winner B vs Winner D
This will be replicated in all the 3 disciplines that is soccer, netball and queen soccer
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Story by Lovemore Masunungure
