EMAKHANDENI Secondary Under-16 boys won the Grassroot Soccer’s Health and Wellness tournament played at New Lobengula Grounds in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The event boys and girls under the age of 16 compete for the trophy in a round robin fashion. Inyanda High School, Luveve College, Emakhandeni Secondary and Luveve High School participated in the one day competition.

After the matches were played Luveve High and Luveve College were on top with seven points each. Emakhandeni followed with three points and last on the league table were Inyanda with no points.

At the end of the day, Emakhandeni were the victorious in both boys and girls courtesy of a quiz run by Grassroot Soccer during the tournament.

Former Highlanders players, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Chipo Tsodzo, current Bosso defender Benson Phiri and ex- Mighty Warriors captain Nomsa Moyo were among the guests who graced the event. Ngodzo said if they are able to get to as many people in the community and transform lives, then he would be satisfied. 

“If we are able to reach at least a few people in the community and change their lives by getting them to get tested and encourage healthier standards of life, I would be happy with the feat,’’ Ngodzo said.

Tsodzo expressed his happiness to see the youngsters taking part in sport at the same time living healthy ways of life.

“I am so happy to see the youngsters playing soccer while observing and maintaining healthy lifestyles. I am also pleased that they are being educated on life skills, so they may be able to make the right choices,’’ Tsodzo said.

Grassroot Soccer is an adolescent health organisation that seeks to make use of the power of soccer to educate, inspire and mobilise youths to overcome their greatest challenges.

@J_Sihwa