Herentals Group of Colleges Zonal Games Uncover Young Talent in Manicaland
By Elizabeth Kucherera
The Herentals Group of Colleges Zonal Games last week brought together vibrant energy and youthful talent at the Mutare Polytechnic grounds, as primary and secondary schools from Rusape, Chipinge and Mutare competed for honors across various disciplines.
The annual event, now a staple in Manicaland’s school sports calendar, serves as a key platform for nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Selestine Paul Benza, popularly known as Uncle Paul and head coach at Herentals Football Club, praised the initiative during his address at the event.
“The Herentals zonal league is held every year. It’s part of our long-term development program. Herentals has over 20 years in football,” said Uncle Paul, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to sports development.
Echoing these sentiments, Tsungai Mudzamiri, the former Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper and now assistant coach at Herentals, highlighted the importance of early talent identification.
“These games are vital for identifying and grooming young talent. We must catch them young and give them the right foundation,” said Mudzamiri.
The event featured Herentals’ “Catch Them Young” initiative, an innovative program that rewards student athletes with scholarships and fees vouchers based on their academic achievements and sporting prowess. This dual focus on education and athletics aims to holistically develop young people, ensuring they excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The competitions were fiercely contested, especially in the primary schools category, where the Mutare centre emerged victorious, showcasing outstanding teamwork and skill.
With initiatives like these, Herentals Group of Colleges continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Zimbabwean sports and education, providing hope and opportunities to talented youths across the region.
