Kuyamurana FA were crowned champions of the Shingirirayi Youth Ministry Under-13 Soccer Tournament at Stodart Public Grounds in Mbare on Saturday, but for the organisers, the trophy was never the most important prize on offer.
Shingirirayi Youth Ministry Trust made clear from the outset that football was the vehicle, not the destination. "Our core business as Shingirirayi Youth Ministry Trust is to lead children to God through sporting activities. Sports is a strategy of bringing these children together for moral and spiritual formation," the organisation stated, a message that framed every kick, every goal and every award of the day within a broader mission of community and character building.
On the pitch, Kuyamurana FA were the standout side of the tournament. They topped Group A with seven points from three matches, winning one and drawing three, before defeating ASEC United in the semi-finals and overcoming Sunningdale Pirates in the final to claim the gold medals, the ball and the champion's trophy.
Sunningdale Pirates had been the most impressive team in the group stage, going through Group B unbeaten with a perfect nine points from three matches, but were stopped by Kuyamurana in the final to finish as silver medallists. ASEC United claimed the bronze medal position with a victory over HUYSA in the third-place playoff, while HUYSA received a ball for finishing fourth overall.
The guest of honour was father Matare of the Shingirirayi Ministry board, represented on the day by Dr Yakobe, who presided over a well-attended and warmly received awards ceremony.
Individual honours were distributed across several players who distinguished themselves throughout the day. Kutenda Muchada took home the best player medal, Claymore Ziko claimed the top goal scorer award and Tafadzwa Masunda was recognised as the best goalkeeper. Coach Rasta received the best coach medal, while Zim Higher Grade FA, despite a difficult group stage, were recognised as the most disciplined team and awarded a shield, a reminder that the values being promoted by Shingirirayi Youth Ministry extend well beyond winning and losing.
FULL RESULTS AND AWARDS:
Group A: Kuyamurana FA 7 points, HUYSA 6 points, BM Athletics 4 points, Blue Stars FC 0 points. Group B: Sunningdale Pirates 9 points, ASEC United 5 points, Zim Higher Grade FA 4 points, Herentals FA 0 points. Semi-finals: Kuyamurana FA beat ASEC United, Sunningdale Pirates beat HUYSA. Third-place playoff: ASEC United beat HUYSA. Final: Kuyamurana FA beat Sunningdale Pirates.
- Kuyamurana FA crowned champions as Shingirirayi Youth Ministry tournament fulfils its deeper purpose
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Awards: Best player — Kutenda Muchada, top goal scorer — Claymore Ziko, best goalkeeper — Tafadzwa Masunda, best coach — Coach Rasta, most disciplined team — Zim Higher Grade FA (shield), fourth place — HUYSA (ball), third place — ASEC United (bronze medals and ball), runners-up — Sunningdale Pirates (silver medals and ball), champions — Kuyamurana FA (trophy, gold medals and ball).
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