FC Barcelona are investing in local football and this comes through a joint undertaking by the International Olympic Committee and Spanish football giants called the FutbolNet tournament.

The most recent edition of the tournament  saw Zambia and Malawi taking part for the first time at Prince Edward School in June all three countries represented in the two age grades that competed for honors.

 Zambia won both the Under-16 and Under-14 schedules convincingly with their mixed boys and girls teams with a 100 percent record in the round-robin tournament.

The hosts, represented by Zimbiru Primary School from Domboshawa, put up a fight in the Under-14 matches managing to defeat Malawi but could only end up with the silver medal with Malawi finishing bottom of the pile.

The much-touted Allan Wilson and Queen Elizabeth combo, flying the national flag in the Under-16 section, entertained spectators with some skilful touches but ultimately settled for the wooden spoon as Zambia once again got in their way en route to a well-deserved gold.

Malawi squeezed into second place and immediately expressed their willingness to host next year’s edition, vowing to win both competitions on home soil.

It was the first time Zimbabwe had invited any country for the event that completed its fourth edition this year. Only local teams have taken part in previous editions

What was without doubt a memorable weekend for Zimbabwe in hosting the tri-nations FutbolNet tournament recently turned out to be arguably one to forget for the home teams as they both failed to get any honours.

Judith Bwalya, the Zambian team manager, believes the competition was well organised.

“The Zimbabweans took care of us very well in the true Olympic spirit and although we expected such reception I want to thank Chiedza Mafunga, the Zimbabwe Olympic Centre director, for going out of her way to make our stay unforgettable. The competition was also well organised,’’ she attested.