By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 22 July 2025 – The Herentals Group of Colleges Zonal Games held on Friday at Mutare Polytechnic Grounds brought together spirited athletes from across Manicaland, with schools from Mutare, Chipinge, and Rusape competing in various age groups.
The games saw thrilling contests in girls’ and boys’ soccer as participants vied for a place in the national finals to be held in Harare on August 7–8.
This year’s format marks a significant shift from the traditional national-only competition, as regional zones have now been introduced to allow for wider participation. The top team from each zone proceeds to represent their region at the national level.
“Historically, the Principal’s Trophy used to be held in Harare at national level. This time, we’ve introduced zonal stages to increase the number of participants. The best teams here will represent Manicaland in Harare,” explained Mr. Simbarashe Makambanga, Regional Head for the Manicaland Centres.
In addition to the sporting contests, Herentals used the event to promote its ongoing “Catch Them Young” initiative, where student-athletes can earn scholarships and fee vouchers based on their academic and athletic performance.
“We have a soccer academy and offer affordable fees with payment plans. High-performing students in class and on the pitch can benefit from scholarships,” added Makambanga.
The girls’ competition saw strong performances, especially from Rusape, who edged ahead of Mutare on superior goal difference after both teams tied with 4 points.
Rusape 0–0 Mutare
Mutare 1–0 Chipinge
Rusape 2–0 Chipinge
Girls’ Final Standings:
1. Rusape – 4 pts (Proceeded on goal difference)
2. Mutare – 4 pts
3. Chipinge – 0 pts
Rusape dominated the Under-20 boys’ category, defeating Mutare and earning a walkover against Chipinge who withdrew from the competition.
Rusape 1–0 Mutare
Mutare 0–0 Chipinge
Rusape awarded win over Chipinge (withdrawal)
U20 Final Standings:
1. Rusape – 3 pts (Proceeded)
2. Mutare – 1 pt
3. Chipinge – 1 pt
In tightly contested U17 matches, Rusape again topped the group after a draw with Chipinge and a narrow win over Mutare.
Rusape 1–0 Mutare
Mutare 1–0 Chipinge
Rusape 0–0 Chipinge
U17 Final Standings:
1. Rusape – 4 pts (Proceeded)
2. Mutare – 3 pts
3. Chipinge – 1 pt
Despite an early defeat to Chipinge, Rusape proceeded to the finals due to other teams pulling out and a better overall performance.
Rusape 1–0 Mutare
Chipinge 1–0 Rusape
U15 Final Standings:
1. Rusape – 3 pts (Proceeded)
2. Chipinge – 3 pts
3. Mutare – 0 pts
Speaking at the event, Selestino Paul Benza, affectionately known as Uncle Paul, who is Head Coach at Herentals Football Club Headquarters, applauded the zonal initiative.
“The Herentals Zonal League is held every year. It’s part of our long-term development program. Herentals has over 20 years in football – we started with the Harare Super Soccer League and eventually built the Herentals Football Club. Now we offer scholarships to promising young players,” he said.
Tsungai Mudzamiri, a former CAPS United and Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper, now serving as Assistant Coach at Herentals, added:
“These games are vital for identifying and grooming young talent. We must catch them young and give them the right foundation.”
With Rusape schools dominating across all categories, Manicaland will now pin its hopes on their squads to make an impact on the national stage next month in Harare.
