YOUNG female footballers from Zaka District will have a chance to impress scouts at the inaugural LM Auctioneers Zaka Girls Festival, which has attracted support from five established players, including two Mighty Warriors stars.
The eight-team tournament takes place at St Joseph High School in Jerera on October 24, with Zambia-based Mighty Warriors forward Ethel Chinyerere and midfielder Danai Bhobho leading calls for supporters to rally behind the girls.
Chinyerere, popularly known as Zim Haaland, and Bhobho have joined Chapungu Queens midfielder Hazvinei Dhlakama and Correctional Queens duo Marjory Nyaumwe and goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai in promoting the tournament through video messages.
“Let’s go to Zaka on the 24th of October for the LM Auctioneers Girls Festival. Be there to support the girl child,” the players urged.
Dhlakama encouraged communities to support the competition, which brings together schools and a youth academy from Zaka District.
“Eight teams will be participating including Maningi. We are calling everyone to come and support the girl child. This is proudly sponsored by LM Auctioneers, Mr Muzhara,” she said.
Nyaumwe, nicknamed Youth Boss, added: “There’s a tournament there for girls. Be there to support girls.”
Dzingirai echoed the appeal, saying: “Let’s support the girl child.”
The festival is sponsored by LM Auctioneers managing director Lewis Muzhara, who wants to create opportunities for talented girls to progress beyond school football.
Scouts are expected to attend, giving promising players a chance to attract attention from clubs and other football development structures.
All eight teams will receive playing kits from LM Auctioneers.
The competition will also address challenges affecting young people under the theme “No to Drugs, Mental Health Has No Boundaries”, with discussions on mental health, substance abuse and reproductive health scheduled alongside the matches.
The Under-21 tournament is open to school-going girls born in 2005 or later.
Hosts St Joseph High will face Mutimwi High, Chimbwembwe High and Magura High in Group A.
Group B comprises Mutsambwa High, Dzoro High, Maningi Youth Soccer Academy and Rudhanda High.
The draw was conducted by National Association of Secondary School Heads secretary Tawanda Nzvenga.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final.
The champions will receive a trophy and 25 gold medals, while the runners-up will collect a trophy and 25 silver medals.
