If you thought school sport was losing its charm, think again — football fever and athletic fire are alive and thriving, even in the heart of Mwenezi.
The dusty grounds of Masogwe Primary School were transformed into a carnival of competition last weekend, as the National Primary School Heads Cluster Games rolled into town. And what a show it was!
A sea of uniforms, energy and uncontainable spirit flowed onto the Masogwe fields, with over seven schools — Chitanga, Chikadzi, Matande, Mavambo, St Vitalis, Chingami, Chesvingo — clashing in a variety of codes: soccer, netball, volleyball, basketball and handball. But it was the hosts, Masogwe, who strutted like peacocks, rising above the rest with commanding flair and a hometown hunger that couldn’t be denied.
In volleyball, Masogwe’s boys were in a league of their own, smashing opponents with precision and power. Even Chingami, who came in swinging, found themselves outclassed. Coach Chigaba, a seasoned volleyball maestro, was bursting with pride: “Masogwe’s volleyball is classic — this is the home of excellence!” he declared, a man clearly witnessing the fruits of hard training and even harder dreams.
Handball told a similar tale — gritty, fast-paced, and executed with surgical teamwork. Coach Mkondo had just one word: “Togona.” That’s Shona for “we’re able” — and boy, did they show it.
Netball, however, offered a twist in the plot. The only silverware Masogwe let slip was in this fiercely contested code, where Matande Primary School danced their way to the top, with Chingami hot on their heels. Though Masogwe played with grit, it was clear the shooting circle wasn’t their stronghold this time around.
Basketball brought drama of its own, with a high-stakes showdown between Chitanga and Masogwe. It was the latter who slammed their way into victory and punched their ticket to the district competitions set for Friday in Rutenga.
But the real theatre? That belonged to the beautiful game — football. The match that had everyone from Mukahanari to Dungwe abandoning chores and chasing the thrill of grassroots glory.
Chitanga. Masogwe. A final dripping with tension and talent. The crowd? Electric. The stakes? Sky-high.
Local health official and die-hard Chelsea fan, Mr. Fana, summed up the mood moments before kickoff: “This is pure football. With the flair Madhange’s boys have shown, Masogwe’s taking this one.”
Chitanga came out guns blazing — a flurry of feet and finesse saw them open the scoring. But like stormwater settling, Masogwe regained control, equalizing through a penalty, then flipping the script with two more goals that sent their fans into euphoria. Final score: 3-1. Coach Madhange was measured in his post-match promise: “We’ll give it our best shot at districts.” His colleague, Mr. Mkondo, beamed with belief: “Masogwe is a school of excellence. Expect more.”
While Masogwe celebrated, Masvingo Province was hosting its own blockbuster — the NASH Provincial Finals. Chibi High School pulled off an emotional upset, toppling perennial powerhouse Pamushana in a penalty shootout thriller. The regulation 90 minutes weren’t enough to separate the sides, but in the penalty showdown, Chibi held their nerve to win 4-1.
Chibi’s magical run was no fluke. Their creative brand of football shredded defenses all the way to the podium. Meanwhile, controversy brewed in the group stages. Maranda High School had a goal disallowed against Deure — the referee citing a “three-pillar” rule many questioned. As if cursed, Maranda was again on the losing side of chaos in their match against Berejena, where a fan-turned-whistleblower exposed Berejena for fielding a red-carded player.
In other events, Chibi claimed bragging rights in both girls’ soccer and volleyball, while Pamushana redeemed themselves with a netball victory.
Beyond the points and the podiums, these games delivered something more vital — joy, unity, and a reminder that in a tough economy, sport remains a magical escape, a rallying force, and proof that our schools, even in the remotest of corners, are brimming with raw, relentless talent. Because sometimes, all we need is the beautiful game. this is just a view!!!
Chana CheMasvingo
0775125488
johannesmikemupisa11@gmail.com
