HWANGE – Hwange FC were crowned champions of the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF) Under-17 boys tournament, which was held at Chakona Stadium in Hwange over the weekend.
The two-day tournament kicked off on Saturday morning and concluded on Sunday afternoon, bringing together some of the country’s most promising young football talents.
A total of ten teams took part in the competition.
These were champions Hwange, Ponel Youth Soccer Academy (Dete), Golden Lions (Victoria Falls), Nkayi Academy, Binga Academy, Highlanders, Njube Spurs, Dinde FC, G.G Academy and Biya Academy.
Hwange went on to clinch the title after an impressive and disciplined campaign that saw them complete the tournament unbeaten.
They finished second in Group A with six points, while Biya Academy topped the group but were later eliminated in the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Hwange faced rivals Golden Lions of Victoria Falls in a tightly contested encounter that ended goalless in regulation time.
Hwange eventually prevailed 7-6 in a penalty shootout to book their place in the final.
In the other semi-final, Biya Academy were knocked out by Binga Academy, who also advanced via penalties after a closely fought match, winning 8-7.
The final saw Hwange edge Binga Academy 1-0 to lift the coveted MNF Under-17 trophy, capping off a memorable weekend of youth football.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice president Kennedy Ndebele was the guest of honour at the event.
Speaking on the sidelines, the former Premier Soccer League boss applauded the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation for organising a tournament that provided youngsters with a valuable platform to showcase their talent.
“This is what we, as ZIFA, dream of. We want to see more youth football tournaments being organised, especially those driven by inspiring individuals like Marvelous Nakamba.
“I would like to applaud and thank the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation for organising a tournament of this magnitude,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hwange’s Jean Daire was named Player of the Tournament following his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
