The Young and Great Nash Under-20 boys and girls football tournament was officially launched lastThursday at the Mashwede head office in Harare.
What began just two years ago as a localised community initiative in Chitungwiza has now evolved into a prestigious national spectacle, set to ignite talent across all ten provinces of Zimbabwe.
The tournament is bankrolled by Mashwede Holdings through the Tanny Mashamhanda Foundation, signalling a robust commitment to corporate social responsibility and the holistic development of the Zimbabwean youth.
The launch event was attended by high-ranking officials, including tournament director Martha Mashamhanda, NASH president Josiah Mbirimi, and the Nash head in charge of football for Harare, Masimba Mupawaenda.
At the heart of the initiative is Tanaka Mashamhanda, founder of the Tanny Mashamhanda Foundation, who emphasised that the beautiful game is being used as a shield against the social ills currently plaguing the nation.
Speaking at the launch, Tanaka Mashamhanda highlighted the tournament’s rapid growth and its primary goal:
"Today is not just about football. It is about youth empowerment, prevention, and national development,” Tanka said.
“This partnership started off in 2024 as we launched our first anti-drug and substance abuse Under-20 provincial football tournament.
“We were supported with the participation of 58 secondary schools in Harare. We then grew in 2025 to 70 schools.
“The central goal of this tournament is to reach young people in schools with clear and consistent drug and substance abuse prevention messaging. Your talent is your future. Protect it, choose discipline, and say no to drugs."
The tournament’s expansion to a national level ensures that scouts and developers can identify gems in every corner of the country.
This aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s educational goals of identifying vocational talents early.
Mupawaenda, the Nash head in charge of football for Harare, expressed his gratitude for the corporate backing, noting the synergy between the tournament and the national curriculum:
"I would like to congratulate you for being in a position to identify the very right people who can assist in order to pursue their agenda... with our Heritage-based curriculum, we need to identify the vital talent which our young learners have,” he said.
“Now that Mashwede will come to assist us, if we identify the talent, it doesn't remain at school level only. We promise you that we are going to have this tournament in a very friendly but competitive nature."
The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone.
“Following the success of previous winners like Seke 1 in 2024 and Oriel Boys in 2025, the competition will now see provincial champions battle it out for ultimate glory.
“The national finals are scheduled to take place in Gweru, Midlands Province, on a date to be announced.
By integrating both boys' and girls' categories, the Young and Great Nash tournament is fostering gender inclusivity, ensuring that the "Girl Child" has an equal platform to showcase her skills and receive the same mentorship and opportunities as her male counterparts.