Hwange and Somvubu Triumph in OZICC Tourney
Mbekezeli Ncube
The Orap Zenzele Isuzu Champions Cup (OZICC) made a triumphant return to action after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The thrilling two-day tournament saw Hwange and Somvubu schools clinch championship titles, marking a spectacular revival of grassroots football.
Hwange boys secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Somvubu, while Somvubu’s girls also triumphed with the same scoreline, defeating Siyoka High School in the finals. The tension was palpable as these young athletes showcased their skills and determination on the field.
Hwange coach Farai Moyo emphasized the strategic approach they adopted to overcome their fierce rivals, Somvubu. “We approached this game in a more strategic way,” Moyo stated. “Somvubu has always been our rival but we tried to push them by keeping the ball for the better part of the match.”
The passionate display of sportsmanship was echoed by Phineas Mbayimbayi, coach of the Somvubu boys’ team, who commended his players for their outstanding performance. “My boys played very well,” Mbayimbayi remarked. “I trust my boys and I’m not regretting that they lost the finals because they are fighters.”
The excitement surrounding the tournament’s return was palpable, as ORAP CEO Mvuselelo Huni expressed her enthusiasm. “We launched the tournament in 2014 and held it annually until 2019,” Huni stated. “This marks our exciting return after the pandemic and recent events.”
The partnership between ORAP, Autoworld, and the host schools, Gifford and Townsend High Schools, was hailed as a fantastic opportunity to nurture young talent. The OZICC serves as a platform for under-20 players to showcase their skills, with scouts from local premier league teams on the lookout for promising talent.
Mike Blatch, representing Isuzu in Bulawayo through Autoworld, emphasized their commitment to community outreach. “We joined this initiative in 2014 at the request of Ms. Huni and her team,” Blatch highlighted. “It’s been rewarding to witness the tournament’s growth and impact on participants and their communities.”
The OZICC tournament featured boys’ teams from Gifford (host), Cyrene, Hwange Government, Somvubu, Embakwe, Fatima, Manjolo, and Maboleni. The girls’ teams included Townsend (host), Somvubu, Guwe, Siyoka, Nkankezi, Mbalabala, Whata, and Fatima, hailing from various provinces in Zimbabwe.
