The Sunday News
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sport Correspondent
SCENES at Insiza South’s Vokola Grounds at the weekend left a lasting impression of how the game of football impacts the lives of marginalised communities.
Fans of the game were left yearning for more action as nine teams drawn from Godlwayo Social Super League played out in the fourth edition of the annual Quad M Cup competition last Sunday. The crowds were unperturbed by the dusty winds of the morning as games commenced right up to the final end. With all teams being used to each other grind, the competition was nothing short of entertainment to the fans.
Bhode FC were crowned champions after beating Silalatshani 1-0. Both teams shrugged contest from cup favourites such as Denje and Bambanani who fell in the semi-final berth. Falling by the wayside in the preliminary stages were Mbembesi, Mbondweni, Sigwambizi, Bambanani, Mabuze and Vokola. For the triumph, Bhode walked home R2 000 richer, with the losing finalists earning R1 500.
In an interview with Sunday News, the sponsors’ spokesperson Bhekimpilo kaMaranda Sithole, said the support they got from the community was unbelievable.
“The cup games were watched by many. We are grateful to all who came to Vokola Grounds to support the boys, it goes to show that football is fast becoming a part of life for the people of Godlwayo. Scenes like these deserve to be repeated, they make a difference to the community. As Quad M, sponsors of the Godlwayo Social Soccer League, we are humbled.”
Quad M is a grouping of like-minded sport benefactors who include Sithole, Kossam Mavuna Ndlovu, Zibusiso Majankwe Ncube and Castro Magenga Ndlovu. The cup contest was sponsored to the tune of R10 000, of which Sithole said was channelled toward prize money and other logistics of the competition.
“In essence, these cup games are a way of getting the people together and see how we can change lives through soccer. All teams were given some money to take home as a token of appreciating their participation. We aim to empower talent, grow youths with passion for sport and create networks in the game. The sponsors went all the way to source balls for the teams. From time to time, we pitch in and assist with whatever the community needs in the running of the Godlwayo Social Soccer League. The crowds and the response we are getting, I’m sure more is to come from the Godlwayo community,” he said.
Sithole pleaded with talent scouts from teams nearby to use the Godlwayo games as a platform to identify players with potential.
“We have put a clarion call to fellow sportspeople, in particular talent scouts to come and see our boys play. In the thicket of Insiza and surrounding areas we have an abundance of talent. We invite Highlanders, FC Platinum and teams in Gwanda, Gweru and Zvishavane.”
Sithole added the Quad M quartet will in December add another cup competition to mark the end of the 2019 season.
