The inaugural Bakers Inn Under-20 soccer tournament in set for Marondera this weekend where Rudhaka will host 16 teams from Mashonaland East in the battle for the top accolade.

Traditional football powerhouses such as former Copa Coca-Cola winners Chemhanza, Mkondwa, Rakodzi and Marondera High will be part of the round-robin format competition.

Bakers Inn Northern Region general manager, Frecious Mpofu, said businesses wasn't just about making profits but investing in communities.

“It's not just about making money but also about investing in initiatives that benefit the communities we operate in and this is part of Bakers Inn corporate social responsibility of giving back to the society.

“As Bakers Inn we seek to invest in talent development through this soccer tournament which I believe will help a lot of the kids.

“We believe we will able to identify talented soccer players that can represent the nation in future through this tournament,” Mpofu said.

The event is expected to be an annual one and will be spread to other provinces in the near future.

“This is a first for a bakery company to sponsor such a major tournament and we would like to assure our various stakeholders that we want this tournament to be part of the Mashonaland East schools sporting calendar from now on.

“In future we are also looking forward to extend this initiative to various provinces. There will be cash prizes for the top four teams and a floating trophy plus medals for the winning team.

“The event will also have cash prizes for the top goalscorer and player of the tournament to be chosen by the participating schools sports masters as well as participation fees for each team,” added Mpofu.

The event will also be graced by Bakers Inn brand Ambassadors Tilda Moyo, Ndumiso the Skywalker and Chief Koti of StarFM while Bakers Inn FC boozers team will clash with the Marondera police team.