SHARON NYAYA
MBERENGWA-ZIFA Midlands Division 2 A league winners Mberengwa based Jame West FC proved that winning the league was no fluke achievement as they went on to win the celebratory tournament.
The tournament to mark their promotion into Division 1 was held at their home ground at Mberengwa Busines Centre on 15 December 2024.
The tournament consisted of four teams, fierce rivals Mbesa FC, Great Dyke FC, Yorko Legends FC and Jame West FC.
Mbesa FC took on the host team Jame West first and it ended all nill. They proceeded to penalty shootout and Jame West won 8-7. Great Dyke played Yorko Legends and both teams didn’t score during full time. They proceeded to penalty shootout and Great Dyke won 6-5. Mbesa and Yorko Legends played for third and forth position where Mbesa won 1-0 to secure number 3.
The champions host team played Great Dyke and the game was tough that in the first 5th minute, Jame West was awarded penalty and one of their players was given a red card but the game ended in their favour 1-0.
All the teams received some cash prize for participating in the tournament.
Jame West fc chairman Conrad Madzipa said the tournament was organised to introduce the team and the trophy to the whole of Mberengwa district as their win was now a district win.
“We invited almost everyone in the district from the smallest department to the highest office of the district. We want to pay tribute to those who honoured our invitation but the greatest gratitude goes to Mberengwa district development coordinator Vafios Hlavati who graced the event alongside chief Bvute, Chief Chizungu, Mr Bulabula representing Mberengwa Rural district council, Omega Sibanda from the district ministry of sports, culture and recreation department, our ward 35 councilor Kufakunesu Muzezewa, Mberengwa Residential and Rate Payers chairperson Daniel Muhwededzi who was accompanied by a member of Mberengwa business community Mr Godza,” remarked Madzipa.
Guest of honor Mberengwa DDC Hlavati commented that the team had done a commendable job in the district.
“I don’t work during weekends as the DDC but because of this splendid achievement during my tenure as the DDC in Mberengwa I couldn’t turn down the invitation. Jame West you made Mberengwa proud as you are also saying you are rallying behind the mantra to fight drug and substance abuse among youths through soccer. I will support you in all endeavors, I have already communicated with Sandawana Kuvimba, Mimosa, MP of this constituency just to mention a few to help with ground refurbishment, affiliation fee , soccer kits and many more things required when you are now playing in Central Region Soccer League,” said Hlavati.
The tournament was well organized that chief Bvute born Andrew Bvute applauded Jame West staff and board. Bvute also thanked Chief Chizungu who also came to support and witness a milestone achievement in the district made in the field of sport.
“I extend my warmest gratitude to our ZIFA Midlands referees Emmanuel Zhou, Kenneth Kamangen and Perfect Moyo who made our tournament games run smoothly.
“Since we are striving for professionalism in local football their presence lessened disputes because if we had picked anyone we were going to have problems. I want to also thank our members of the neighborhood watch who provided security. Lastly all the teams that participated you made us feel we are one as Mberengwa. Zialandia FC and Hibbo FC we appreciate you as well,” applauded Jame West director Saddiq Madzipa.
The team is looking for sponsorship and funding. They have already received a letter from ZIFA Central Region Soccer League administration that state, “The region is pleased to inform you that you have been given a slot to play in Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) Division One (1). As league winners in Zifa Midlands Province Division Two (2) you automatically qualified to be in ZIFA Central Region. Therefore, you need to pay USD4 300.00 affiliation fees and commit yourselves that you shall fulfill all your fixtures. I further wish to advise you that the affiliation must be paid on or before 12 January 2025, failure of which the slot will be given to another club aspiring to be in the CRSL….”
To help Jame West FC contact: Chairman Conrad Madzipa 0718428784
SG: Ament Nyaya SG:0782671608
Vice SG: Joseph Mugwadi vice SG: 0712024139
