HARARE, Aug. 27 (NewsDay Live) — Football will take centre stage at Machembere Community Centre Public Ground on Saturday, but the message behind the tournament will go far beyond the final whistle as youths from Highfield and Glen Norah unite in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Shingirirayi Youth Ministry Trust has invited local football clubs from the two communities to participate in a Spiritual Formation and Drug Abuse Awareness Soccer Tournament on Aug. 29.
The tournament will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the theme, “Fit for Purpose: Body, Mind and Spirit,” drawn from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Sixteen teams have confirmed participation, representing a broad cross-section of youth football in Highfield and Glen Norah.
The teams are AS Soccer Academy, Cross Power Football Club, Black Scorpion Junior FC, Masoso FC, Glen Norah Academy, Glens FC, Old Highfield Youth Academy, Midza Granite Academy, Shingirirayi Youth Academy, Holly FC, PWD 1, PWD 2, PWD 3, CJ FC, Cadship Stars Youth Soccer Academy and Greater Success College.
The tournament is part of Shingirirayi Youth Ministry Trust’s broader effort to promote spiritual, moral and physical well-being among children and young people through sport.
Established in 1989 as a street ministry of the Catholic Church and supported by the Jesuit Province of the Society of Jesus, the organisation has for decades used sport as a vehicle for youth formation and community development across Zimbabwe.
Youth coordinator Svinurai Chafuka said the tournament was about more than football.
“Your body is God’s temple, not a dumping ground for drugs. Choose God, choose life, believe in Jesus as your Saviour. Say no to drugs,” Chafuka said.
The event carries a clear message for young participants: Play for purpose, not for pressure.
The organisers hope the tournament will provide a platform for young people to compete, connect and confront the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse while promoting faith, discipline and healthy lifestyles.
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