Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) -T councillor for ward 19 rural, Samuel Machekanyanga said other political parties were discriminated against. Rural and urban wards were requested to set-up teams for the event. Sports covered included soccer, volleyball and netball.
The competitions were held at Cherutombo High, Nyameni Secondary and Primary Schools. “As ward councillor, I assisted youth from my party to prepare for the tournament. The spirit behind it was noble because sport is a recreational activity which assists participants develop talent and build friendships. I was shocked to realize that rural wards under MDC-T councillors were discriminated against. One of the sports officials told a ward 4 soccer team to be on standby as there was something wrong with its registration papers, said Machekanyanga.
The councillor for the ward is Jane Nhiwatiwa of MDC-T.Some officials later revealed that MDC wards were not welcome.
Teams from the urban areas were composed of mainly Zanu (PF) youth. Suspected MDC youth were not invited to participate,” said Machekanyanga. Politically vulgar words and gestures were common place from Zanu (PF) spectators and players.
Machekanyanga said teams playing his ward did not pitch up. His team was then paired with more competitive teams disregarding the internationally observed rules. “The idea was to punish my team for my wrong political affiliation. Introductions of organisers and ward development officers were over emphasised to give Zanu (PF) political mileage and legitimacy to the fraudulently recruited Zanu (PF) aligned officers,” he added.
Machekanyanga called on the organising ministry to ensure future games were not politicised in the interest of sport development. He said sport was an effective agent of national healing and political tolerance. Some youths failed to participate as they were forced to attend a Family Day Rally addressed by Vice President Joice Mujuru, in Mtoko. Officials from the organising ministry said the tournament will be hosted regularly.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News