The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Online
BUDDING rural footballers have been given another lifeline following the launch of this year’s KB Kanyongo Football Tournament in Mutoko, Mashonaland East province.
Eight teams have been drawn into two groups, from which winners will clash in a final on October 21 at Kanyongo Shopping Centre, which is 17 km west of Mutoko Centre.
The tournament has in the past attracted several top coaches, including Tonderai Ndiraya, Gift Muzadzi, Naison Muchekela and Laban Kandi.
In 2021, Ndiraya, who was then coaching Dynamos, identified three players – Charles Katsande, Tinotendaishe Nyamanzi and goalkeeper Hilton Nyamakope – whom he afforded the rare chance of training with the Harare giants.
Kanyongo FC, Nyadire United, Zisengwe, Gumbure, Star City, Karonga, Dip FC and Chingondo will be taking part in this year’s tournament.
A number of high-profile football personalities, including former CAPS United star Alois Bunjira and FC Platinum assistant coach Daniel Veremu, are expected to grace this year’s final.
Veremu was raised in Mutoko and is a beneficiary of such kind of rural football tournaments.
The tournament is the brainchild of the Kanyongo family members, who were raised in Mutoko.
Some of them are now based in the United States of America.
“This is our way of giving back to a community that raised us,” said Gideon Kanyongo.
“Football has become a big industry that can employ thousands of people and we believe the KB Kanyongo tournament will be a platform that builds future football stars.
“We also believe sport can help in the fight against drug abuse and early marriages. That’s why we also have netball as part of the competitions,” added Kanyongo.
The tournament kicked off on September 2.
