Remember Deketeke
Sports Reporter
TUG of war teams from across Zimbabwe battled it out for sporting glory in Harare at the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) last weekend.
Categories included 720kg men, 580kg mixed and 620kg female. Entrants from South Africa failed to attend as they were preparing for an upcoming tournament in Europe.
Vice Chairperson for Harare Province, Tinashe Magedi said, “It is been very friendly but very competitive. Everyone was in it to win it.”
The competition took place on Saturday, with individual clubs featuring in the various categories.
Competitors ranged from teenagers to those well into retirement age, and while there were separate male and female competitions, mixed teams also took part.
Exide triumphed in the 720kg weight category competition, but a diverse range saw success in the team event with clubs such as ZETDC West and Chitungwiza beating FBC in the open men’s 720kg.
But there was local disappointment for Harare Province, who lost out to Glow Petroleum ladies in the 620kg category.
Magedi said the sport was enjoying a renaissance.
“Participation had dropped a few years ago, but it has really picked up, especially with the ladies’ teams,” he said. “I guess people want to get out and about, and this is a brilliant sport.
“It is internationally recognised and it used to be part of the Olympics, and who knows, it might make it back in one day.”
Magedi told Zimpapers Sport they wanted to introduce the sport in schools and make sure there is participation at all levels.
“In the long run, we want Zimbabwe to have a strong team that will participate in big tournaments,” he said.
