THE National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) Under-20 football tournament set to take off next month got a timely boost with Proton Bakery and Surrey Group coming on board with a $5 000 sponsorship package on Friday.

The tournament will start at the zonal level in September and national finals are set for October 6 to 8 in Masvingo province with 12 schools taking part.

The sponsorship was facilitated by the Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane through his office.

Speaking at the handover of the $5 000 cheque at the Ministry of Sport and Recreation offices, NASH president Johnson Madhuku said they are thrilled by the sponsorship.

“We are excited because we have finally got a sponsor for the 20 years and Under boys soccer. Over the years we have been running this tournament without a sponsor. But we acknowledge that this is our mandate as schools to ensure that we develop talent in our kids. It’s good news when we get a sponsor,” said Madhuku.

He also acknowledged the Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane, who was present at the function for facilitating the partnership through his office.

Hlongwane said the school system is a key part of sport development in the country hence the move by his office to assist in finding sponsorship for this tournament.

The zonals will be held on September 15, followed by districts competition on September 22.

The provincial finals are pencilled for September 29 except for Bulawayo and Mashonaland West whose events are scheduled for September 22 and 30 respectively to allow the sponsors to attend.

The 10 provincial winners will join defending champions Mavuradonha and the hosts Hippo Valley to make them 12 teams.

The semi-finalists will get a kit and there will be individual accolades for the top goal scorer, player of the tournament and the most disciplined team also.

The winners will get $800 while the runners-up will walk away with $500.

Proton sales manager Simba Bodzo said the money will be spread from provincial level to the national event.

“This $5 000 will be spread from provincial levels through trophies so each provincial winner will be walking away with a trophy.

“Then from the province level we go to the national finals where all the semi-finalists will be wearing Proton and Surrey branded jerseys. We are also using balls sponsored by Proton and Surrey.

“Then from there we will have the losing team in the finals getting $500 cash and the winning team walking away with $800 cash,” said Bodzo. 

Also present was Surrey Group retail manager Ranganayi Zihumo.