Young learners from several primary schools in Plumtree recently showcased their sporting talents at the Mpuri Annual Tournament, a growing community initiative aimed at empowering children through sport and education.
Organisers said the tournament was created to support pupils, particularly those with athletic potential, by giving them a platform to shine and be exposed to future opportunities.
The second edition of the Mpuri Annual Tournament was held on Friday at Mafeha Primary School in Bulilima’s Ward 14, drawing enthusiastic crowds as young participants competed in soccer and netball.
Organisers noted that the main objective is to build community spirit, promote physical activity, and create opportunities for primary school learners, especially those who face academic challenges but show promise in sports.
The event brought together several schools, including Malopa, Mafeha, Malalume, Nswazwi, and Mboma Primary Schools.
Bongani Mpuri, spokesperson for the tournament, said the long-term vision is to grow the event into a platform that not only entertains but also transforms lives.
“This year, our biggest hope was for the children to be recognised for their talents,” said Mpuri.
“We want this to be more than just a tournament, we want it to become a gateway to opportunities.”
He added that in the future, they hope to invite secondary schools to scout talent and offer scholarships to promising learners.
“If it were within our means, we would invite high schools to watch the matches and offer learners guaranteed places for their secondary education. We want children to see that education isn’t only about books, sports can also open doors,” he said.
Mpuri added that sport can be an alternative route to success for learners who may not excel academically.
“Our main goal is to see children who struggle with academics but have talent in sports thrive and access opportunities like scholarships,” he said.
“We want them to take full advantage of this platform.”
He also said the tournament is designed to give young athletes exposure to teams, sponsors, and organisations that could support their sporting careers.
“We hope they will be noticed by clubs, sponsors, or organisations that can help them grow,” he added.
Currently, the tournament focuses on what Mpuri refers to as “indigenous sports”, boys’ soccer and girls’ netball, but there are plans to expand as more resources become available.
“At the moment, we are concentrating on the sports we grew up with, netball and soccer. But as time goes on, we hope to include other disciplines that children enjoy,” Mpuri said.
He noted that the growth of the tournament is tied to funding, and the organisers are keen to include more sports such as volleyball and squash in the future.
“We may be starting small, but as the tournament and funding grow, we want to include every possible sport so no child is left out,” he said.
Reflecting on his own school days, Mpuri said there were no tournaments that made primary school students feel recognised or excited about participating. That gap, he explained, inspired the Mpuri Annual Tournament.
“Growing up, I never saw a tournament that focused on us as primary school learners. That’s why we started this, to nurture talent from a young age,” he said.
He contrasted the initiative with the lacklustre events he remembers from primary school, where competitions were often routine and unrewarding, unlike the more exciting secondary school tournaments like the Golden Harmony Tournament.
“Back then, the Golden Harmony Tournament was something we looked forward to. You wanted to be a part of it, to win. It brought excitement. We want to recreate that feeling for today’s primary learners,” said Mpuri.
He said he hopes the tournament becomes a lasting tradition that not only builds school spirit but also helps keep children in school.
“The goal is to keep children engaged. Don’t let them sit at home feeling like there’s nothing for them. Some learners are gifted in sports. Let’s give them that opportunity,” he said.
“I hope this tournament becomes something children in Ward 14 and beyond look forward to every July, a celebration of talent, pride, joy, and life-changing possibilities.”
We are grateful as the Mpuri family