The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent —
HAUNA Sweepers crushed Chirarwe 4-2 to clinch the first edition of the Mudehwe Memorial Cup in a match played at St Columbus High School in Honde Valley.
The trophy comes in at a time when the Sweepers are still celebrating winning the Alois Bunjira Gazzaman Tournament last week at the same venue.
Hundreds of villagers gathered at St Columbus School for the explosive tournament which was sponsored by Nyaradzai Mudehwe together with Kelvin Rufaro.
A moment of silence was observed before kickoff in respect of Mudehwe.
Nyasha Mudehwe, a former Hauna Sweepers player, died last year in Hauna and the tournament was played for the first year in remembrance of him.
Three teams which participated include Hauna Sweepers (locals), Hauna Sweepers (foreign) and South African based side Chirarwe.The tournament was played on round robin basis where the top team was the winner.
The opening match was between Hauna Sweepers (foreign) and Chirarwe. Sweepers narrowly edged Chirarwe 1-0. They got their goal through hard working Innocent Chitsara. Sweepers (foreign) played against Sweepers (local) and they drew 1 all.
Sweepers (local) dismissed Chirarwe 4-2 and the game marked the end of the tournament. Sweepers (local) shrugged off stiff competition o clinch the coveted prize. They were clad in their new blue and white uniform sourced by Vicky Samushonga.
For winning, they were given $100, medals and a floating trophy. Runners up Sweepers (foreign) walked away with $40 and Chirarwe were given $20 for taking part. Munyaradzi Hari of Sweepers (local) was voted man of the tournament
Speaking after the tournament the convener of the tournament Nyaradzai Mudehwe who is Nyasha’s twin brother said that he was happy for the support he received from the community as well as his fellow players.
“I would like to thank the community for the support they have given me as well as my fellow players. It was an emotional day for me but with people around me, everything went on well. I have seen it fit to host this memorial tournament for Nyasha as we remember all his contribution to this team,” he said. Kelvin Rufaro who was Nyasha’s best friend said that his friend was remembered in style.
“We were very close with Nyasha. It sad that he is gone but he left a legacy. It was a great and historical day for us. We hope to make this a big day next time. We thank everyone for supporting us and would like to congratulate Sweepers for winning this tournament,” he said.
Hauna Sweepers was formed in 1993 with the aim of promoting sport in the area. Most of the players who started the clubs are now based in foreign lands. The club is full of youngsters who have potential to make it in big shows.
