Staff Reporter

Murehwa West Member of Parliament (MP) and Caps United Football Club owner, Farai Jere will launch a 76 team tournament with a sponsorship US$100 000, for youth empowerment and the fight against substance abuse in Mashonaland East Province.

In an interview with Harare Post, MP Jere said the football tournament is meant to empower youths as well as initiate campaigns on the fight against substance and drug abuse.

“The launch of a football tournament serves as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment and an effective anti-drug and substance abuse initiative, that has destroyed lives and families. The youths will be paid for participating in the tournament, as we have a sponsorship package of US$100 000,” said Jere.

Jere also highlighted that the football tourney will be a platform to help youths foster discipline, purpose and belonging.

“We will be providing a platform for youths to engage in constructive and team-oriented activities, the 76 team tournament fosters a sense of belonging, discipline, and purpose among the participants,” Jere said.

In addition, Councillor Obert Murove of Ward 18, welcomed the football tournament development as a good initiative to help youths with skills development and employment and mentorship.

“I welcome the football tournament as it offers opportunities for mentorship, skills development, community involvement and the equipping of our youths with the necessary tools they need to make informed choices and become agents of positive change in their communities,” added Murove.

Furthermore Councillor Kondwakuyenda Magaya, of ward 12, praised the football tourney launch as a means to help youths refrain from using drugs and take up rresponsibilities

“Our youths are now the custodians of our history, for families, the community and the nation, to see them abusing drugs is disheartening, however the football tournaments will help them find something to do and keep them occupied. I want to thank MP Jere for coming up with this football initiative as our children will be engaged and will refrain from abusing drugs,” said Magaya.

Meanwhile, the law enforcement agents have stepped up their fight against drug trafficking with 14 655 arrests made in the last 15 months. Through sportsmanship and healthy competition, youths are inspired to channel their energy into positive pursuits, steering them away from the allure of drugs and substance abuse.