Staff Reporter

Mudzi West Zanu PF legislator, Knowledge Kaitano is set to host a high-profile sports tournament tomorrow aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse in his constituency.

The event will take place at Kawere School, bringing together local communities and youth under the theme, "Fighting drugs and substance abuse through sports."

The tournament will feature both soccer and netball matches, with an impressive lineup of teams participating.

Soccer teams include Kawere A, Kawere B, Eagles, Chiunye, Suswe, White City, Masenda A, and Chimango.

On the netball side, teams such as Masenda Queens, Chifamba Queens, Kawere A, Kawere B, Masarakufa Queens, White City Queens, Chisvo Queens, and Tsakare Queens will compete for top honours.

Speaking ahead of the event, Kaitano highlighted the importance of fighting the drug epidemic through positive community engagement.

“Drugs are eating away at the very fabric of our society, particularly among our youth. Through sports, we are not just giving them an outlet to showcase their talent but also reminding them that they have the power to choose a better, healthier path. Drugs are not the solution; they are the problem, and we must continue this fight together,” said Kaitano.

He further explained the damaging impact of drugs on young people, stating, “Substance abuse doesn’t just destroy the individual; it tears apart families and communities. It leads to a life of crime, poor health, and lost opportunities. This tournament is one of many steps we are taking to remind our youth that there is a brighter future ahead, free from the chains of drugs.”

Young people in Mudzi West are looking forward to the tournament, excited by both the competition and the opportunity to take a stand against substance abuse.

Tawanda Nyahore, a local youth soccer player, expressed his enthusiasm stating, "I can’t wait for the tournament. It's not just about football or netball; it's about coming together as a community. We know that drugs are a big problem, and this event is giving us hope that we can rise above it and live a better life.”

Meanwhile, the tournament is part of a wider national campaign spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to tackle drug and substance abuse.

The President has repeatedly called for the arrest and prosecution of drug peddlers, advocating for harsh penalties to curb the vice that is threatening Zimbabwe's youth.

With the growing focus on community-based solutions like this tournament, the hope is to turn the tide in the war against drugs.