Kadoma is set to burst into sporting action this Wednesday, as 17 National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) sporting districts from Mashonaland West converge for the provincial ball games.
With preparations at an advanced stage, the two-day tournament will showcase primary school talent across seven disciplines, while talent scouts begin the search for athletes to represent the province on the national stage.
From Wednesday’s preliminary rounds to Thursday’s finals at Rimuka Stadium, the province is braced for a festival of youth sport, teamwork, and competition.
Sanyati South District is hosting the tournament. Speaking with Mashonaland West NAPH chairperson Amon Mlilo, he confirmed that hosting arrangements are complete.
“All is in place for the hosting of the ball games,” Mlilo said. “We are expecting all 17 districts to be in Kadoma on Tuesday to ensure a smooth start to the games the next day.”
Mlilo stressed that the tournament is critical for the province, noting that the seven disciplines lined up will test skill, discipline, and teamwork among learners.
He said NAPH’s mandate goes beyond competition to include identifying and nurturing talent, with scouts set to be on the ground from Wednesday to select athletes capable of carrying the Mashonaland West flag and, ultimately, representing Zimbabwe at a regional level.
He urged all participating athletes to play hard but play fair throughout the competition.
Competition will be spread across seven ball sports: tennis, rugby, soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, and netball.
Hundreds of young athletes are expected to take part, backed by coaches, teachers, and district officials. Sanyati South District has confirmed its readiness to host the Mashonaland West NAPH ball games in Kadoma.
Sanyati South District vice chairperson Tigerenashe Madekere said the district was proud to welcome all 17 participating districts and is calling on the community to support the young athletes.
“As Sanyati South District, we are proud to host the Mashonaland West NAPH ball games,” Madekere said.
“Our teams are ready for the provincial competition, and we call upon parents, schools, and the community to come in numbers to Kadoma and witness the incredible talent coming from these youngsters.”
All preliminary rounds are scheduled for Wednesday and will be played at various venues across Kadoma.
The tournament then builds to its climax on Thursday, when Rimuka Stadium hosts the finals for all seven codes.
Organisers confirmed that venues, match officials, medical teams, and logistical arrangements are now in place.
The stakes go beyond district pride.
Outstanding athletes identified during the games will be selected to join provincial teams that will battle to represent Zimbabwe during the National Competitions set for later in July.
For many learners, this tournament is the first step on a pathway to national and international competition.
As the countdown ends, Mashonaland West’s 17 NAPH districts are ready to turn Kadoma into a hub of youth sporting excellence.
With teams arriving Tuesday and preliminary matches starting Wednesday, champions will be crowned at Rimuka Stadium on Thursday. “We are ready,” chairperson Mlilo added. “This is about giving our learners a platform to excel”. The 2026 ball games promise skill, drama, and opportunity for Zimbabwe’s rising stars. The stage is set — let the games begin.”