By Admire Chitsungo
District teams from across Mashonaland West competed at the National Association of Junior Schools (NAJS) Under-14 Provincial Ball Games held at the Chinhoyi University of Technology grounds, with outstanding performers earning selection to represent the province at the national championships.
The tournament brought together young athletes from districts across the province to compete in netball, football, volleyball and handball.
Mashonaland West provincial sports director Abel Chamunorwa said he was pleased with the standard of competition, adding that the tournament had enabled selectors to assemble a competitive provincial team for the national championships.
“We are happy with the level of competition as we prepare for the national championships to be held at Ascot Stadium in Gweru,” said Chamunorwa.
The event was attended by Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education provincial officials Chiseko and Angeline Chikweya, who commended organisers for successfully staging the competition.
Addressing participants, Chiseko encouraged learners to compete with discipline and determination, noting that sport continues to create educational, professional and career opportunities for young people.
Provincial sports organiser Onias Mushore congratulated all participating districts, saying the selection process recognised talent from across the province.
“Everyone is a winner. We have identified outstanding players, including some from teams that did not win their competitions, and they will be considered for the provincial team,” said Mushore.
In the Under-14 netball competition, Mhondoro-Ngezi were crowned champions, followed by Makonde, Zvimba and Hurungwe.
Zvimba won the girls’ football title ahead of Mhondoro-Ngezi and Makonde. The district also claimed the boys’ football championship after defeating Makonde in the final, while Hurungwe finished third.
In girls’ volleyball, Zvimba secured first place ahead of Hurungwe and Makonde. Hurungwe won the boys’ volleyball title, with Makonde finishing second and Zvimba third.
Mhondoro won the boys’ handball championship, followed by Hurungwe, Makonde and Zvimba. In the girls’ competition, Makonde emerged champions ahead of Zvimba, Mhondoro-Ngezi and Hurungwe.
The event also featured developmental activities for infant learners, including cone dribbling, shoot-to-score, bowling, handball, netball and mini soccer, as part of efforts to nurture sporting talent from an early age.
With the provincial team now selected, Mashonaland West will begin preparations for the NAJS National Championships, which are scheduled to be held at Ascot Stadium in Gweru.
