GIRLS football in Zaka District is set for a major boost after eight schools confirmed their participation in the inaugural LM Auctioneers Zaka Girls Festival, which will be staged at St Joseph High School in October.
The tournament, which is open to Under 21 schoolgirls born in 2005 or later, is expected to provide a platform for young female footballers to showcase their talent while promoting education, health awareness and community engagement.
Hosts St Joseph High School, Mutsambwa High School, Magura High School, Mutimwi High School, Chimbwembwe High School, Rudhanda High School, Dzoro High School and Maningi Youth Soccer Academy will battle for honours in the maiden edition.
St Joseph High and Mutsambwa High have already been seeded ahead of next month’s draw.
Sponsored by LM Auctioneers managing director Lewis Muzhara, the festival will also feature mental health, drug abuse and reproductive health awareness sessions under the theme “No to Drugs, Mental Health Has No Boundaries.”
Muzhara said preparations for the tournament were progressing well, with prizes and team equipment already secured.
“The winning team will receive 25 gold medals and a trophy, while the runners up will receive 25 silver medals and a trophy. All eight participating teams will receive playing kits at the start of the tournament,” he said.
Outstanding performers will also be recognised through awards for Player of the Tournament, Young Player, Top Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder and Coach of the Tournament, while Fair Play and Most Disciplined Team accolades will also be presented.
The competition format will see the eight teams divided into two groups, with the leading sides advancing to the knockout stages before the semi finals and final.
The festival is expected to attract key stakeholders from Zimbabwean football and sport, including officials from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Zimbabwe Republic Police, ZIFA Development Committee, Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League and the Women’s Eastern Region Board.
Coaches from the senior, Under 20 and Under 17 women’s national teams have also been invited, creating an opportunity for emerging players from rural schools to impress national selectors.
Organisers believe the tournament will become an important platform for identifying talent while encouraging more girls in Zaka District to participate in organised football.
