As part of its peace building initiatives Masakhaneni conducted sports tournaments in some of its areas of operation in Matobo district towards the end of the year and early 2021. Apart from bridging divides between community members, sports is a very vital tool that we have used to attract the youth who are difficult to access during some of our usual community training meetings. In these tournaments the youths were the majority participants & supporters. Soccer and netball clubs from different villages played for positions 1, 2 and 3 where the winner went away with a trophy, kits and gold medals.

The second and third position both got balls including silver and bronze medals respectively. All participating teams regardless of their performance got a ball as a token of appreciation for participating in the event. The ward tournaments became a platform of encouraging peace and tolerance especially during the novel Covid-19 period which has brought about a new set of social tensions within families. It was also a good way of spreading Covid awareness messages amongst the youth who have always shown less adherence the Covid 19 regulations.

It is hoped that the team spirit displayed during these matches can translate into social lives of the players and supporters in a way that has a positive development in their communities. It is also a lever for social integration and a way of instilling respect for opponents which basically means respect of people with differing views in their everyday lives. Regular events like these tournaments can also help occupy school leavers who spend time practicing for their teams instead of engaging in criminal activities. Each of the wards have thriving soccer and netball teams that regularly play against one another without external support. This shows the significance that is subscribed to sports by the youthful community members. Support in the form of sports equipment is necessary to help other budding teams find their feet into the playing squads.

Team Fumugwe & Mazhayimbe battling it out