Sports Reporter
FOOTBALL has the power to bring communities together and can also help society confront challenges such as drug and substance abuse, a United Kingdom-based football enthusiast has said.
Marshal Gore partnered Beitbridge-based Biggie Mabhidhi in an eight-team school’s soccer tournament held in Mvuma last weekend.
Dubbed “Say No to Drugs Schools Soccer Tournament”, the competition drew young talent from Mvuma and surrounding areas.
A schools football tournament held in Mvuma last weekend attracted high profile football personalities like ex Warriors players Ronald Sibanda (second from right)
It also attracted interest from high-profile football personalities, including former Zimbabwe national team star Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to community leader Mabhidhi for inviting us to work with him in Mvuma.
“We are privileged to be involved in such a life-changing event, which can secure the future of Zimbabwe’s next generation today,” said Gore, who is angling to become the next ZIFA president.
He is based in the United Kingdom and has been instrumental in connecting Zimbabwean players born in England with the national team.
Gore is planning to hold more youth football tournament across the country, as he believes sport can help Zimbabwe’s future.
“The future of our children and society is at risk if we don’t act collectively to confront the threats of drug abuse in our communities.
“We strongly believe in the power of football to bring communities together and address the challenges that confront us as a society.”
He added: “This is what we will use our mandate for; that is transforming lives and communities through football.
“Next, it will be Murewa , Tsholotsho and then Harare.
“We are fully committed to changing our communities through football.”
Driefontein, Chamakanda,Takawira, Mukomberanwa, Holy Cross, Musena, New England and the winners Gonawapotera took part in the tournament.
“This is our own way of giving back to the community,” said Mabhidhi, a former student at Chamakanda.
“I am a football-loving person and I believe in uplifting youths who are faced with numerous challenges that include drug abuse,” said Mabhidhi, who is now based in the border town of Beitbridge.
