Inclusivity takes center stage at Wafa Wafa Girls Tournament
By Kelvin Kutinyo
Mzilikazi Youth Centre ground hosted the 2024 Wafa wafa tournament for young girls, aiming to address pressing social issues such as gender-based violence and drug/substance abuse, while promoting inclusivity and empowerment among female youth.
The 7th edition of the tournament featured four teams from various suburbs, including Mzilikazi(BF) , Nguboyenja, and two teams New Jack city and Makokoba fc from Makokoba, which was allocated two teams due to its larger geographical size.
The tournament was made possible through funding sourced from local football enthusiasts as well as those based internationally, including notable contributors Mayfield Daka and Philani Mlotshwa. Notable attendees included influential coaches from various grassroots and top-flight domestic football teams. Some of the esteemed coaches present were Clement Chimimba of Real Stars Academy, Coach Widzo of Makokoba Tigers, Kumbirai Chimombe, Fungai Huni, and soccer legends Thabani Moyo and Johannes Ngodzo, among others.
USA based soccer legend Philani Mlotshwa explained that the initiative aims to empower women in sports, encouraging them to balance their athletic pursuits with education, and providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
“Charity begins at home. Really, the idea is to encourage kids to pursue academic and athletic endeavors as compared to abusing drugs and alcohol. The girl child needs all the support to make Women’s Soccer a success. Any little encouragement goes a long way,” said coach Philani Mlotshwa.
Philani Mlotshwa, who is also a former FC Platinum player from Zimbabwe, has established a successful coaching career in the US, serving as Director of Coaching at Central Virginia United Soccer Club, assistant Coach at the University of Lynchburg Men’s Soccer, and Associate Head Coach at Jefferson Forest High School Boys Soccer.He further added that a significant portion of the funding for the initiative was generously contributed by well wishers based in the United States.
“I sourced most of it and got people to contribute towards feminine products for the girls. So parents at one of my times at CVU the club, donated funds worth 50 packs,” he said.
Mzilikazi Queens coach West Basil Bhebhe expressed heartfelt gratitude to the tournament organizers for promoting women in sports, emphasizing that this initiative will have a positive impact on the girls’ education.
“The whole tournament was fair it entails the power of education through sports. It was indeed a organised tournament that promotes, women empowerment. We are thankful for the kind gesture from the sponsors,” said coach Bhebhe.
The Wafa Wafa tournament is a yearly event which features four participting suburbs that also take turns to host on a rotational basis with Mzilikazi hosting the 2024, 7th edition. Sanitary pads, medals, trophies and soccer boots were distributed to the those who participated in the tournament.
Mzilikazi Residents Association Chairman and tournament treasurer, Mr Jacob Magutshwa, praised the youths for their good conduct during the tournament, adding that the only setback was the rain that temporarily halted play.”The only challenge that we had was the rains but apart from that everything was smooth. We are grateful that there was no violence from the supporters, and also that no one was seen drinking alcohol or abusing drugs,” said Mr Magutshwa.
After the tournament standout players received indivual prizes which include, Sibusiso Moyo from New Jack City the top Goal Scorer, Mai Shantel from Nguboyenja who wad recognized as the most promising player, Chimfundo honored as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Mitchel received the Most Disciplined Player and Kimberly from New Jack City was named the Player of the Tournament.
