The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE inaugural Raj Modi Annual Sports Gala kicks off this morning in the Bulawayo South Constituency in what is expected to be a packed sporting day with community teams battling it out in netball and football.
Twelve teams are set to battle it out in netball while 15 football teams will be vying for the top prizes. The sponsor of the tourney, businessman, Raj Modi said he is continuing with his support of sport that has seen him fund Southern Region Division One, Liquor Hub 10km Fun Run and supporting the Bulawayo Province’s Youth Game team’s expeditions.
“I am passionate about sport and have always supporting sporting activities, when SRC told me they have a programme for sports to be played at grassroots level; I agreed to support them through an annual tournament in Bulawayo South. The gala will provide a platform for young sports people to showcase their talent while allowing provincial coaches a chance to spot those they can enlist for the provincial squads,” he said.
The highlight of the tourney will be a match pitting a grouping of former footballers who once illuminated the country’s topflight league going under the name, Bulawayo Legends and a Bulawayo Media Select. The legends are expected to provide inspiration to Bulawayo South’s upcoming stars.
Sports and Recreation Commission Bulawayo Provincial coordinator, Sam Dzvimbu said teams involved in the competition are ward-based teams, from Ward 21 and Ward 6 and they will be using the opportunity to identify players for the forthcoming National Youth Games to be held in Gweru in August.
Dzvimbu said the tournament is being sponsored to the tune of $15 000 and will see the top teams in both netball and football walking away with full set kits and balls for their respective disciplines.
“The tourney is funded by businessman, Raj Modi, together with partners, Rejoice Mafukidze and Ray Mtomba. Bulawayo provincial coaches for both netball and football squads will be present and will select players for the provincial teams that will be included in the Youth Games teams. The top three in both disciplines will each receive a full set kit with the winners also getting four balls, while the second placed team will get three balls and the team that comes third will get two balls on top,” said Dzvimbu.
Dzvimbu said the Legends select team is set to feature the best yesteryear stars that have graced top flight football and will be coached by Gibson Homela assisted by Barry Daka and Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu.
Former players who have confirmed participation in the legends team include Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, Dazzy Kapenya, Agent “Ajira” sawu, Zezno “Zemura” Moyo, Nation Dube, Chipo Tsodzo, Johannes Ndlovu, Herbert Dick, Highlanders coach, Madinda Ndlovu and Siza Khoza among others.
Modi said he is continuing with his work of supporting sporting activities and hopes this event will give an opportunity to young talent to shine.
Suburbs under Ward 6 include Bellevue, Newton West, Barham Green, Montrose, West Sommerton, Southwold, Donnington, Belmont and Sidojiwe Hostel while under Ward 21 there is Sizinda, Tshabalala, Tshabalala Extension.
