Highfield social league teams back anti-drug campaign during Super Eight Cup

Highfield social league teams back anti-drug campaign during Super Eight Cup

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Social league footballers in Highfield have joined a community anti-drug abuse drive after organisers used a local tournament to spread awareness on drug and substance abuse, in line with Government prevention efforts.

The campaign ran alongside the Super Eight Cup tournament, organised by the Highfield Area Zone and sponsored by SINET Africa. The event was held in Highfield, Harare, and drew players and residents for a day of football and messaging on the dangers linked to drug and substance abuse.

Players and officials said sport can help keep young people occupied and reduce time spent in environments where drugs are easily accessed.

Blue Stones FC player Takudzwa Munemo said the tournament provided a positive alternative for youths, saying, “As a youth, this is very important to me because I missed a lot of dangerous things today because I spent my day here, and so I think if we can have more tournaments such as this, people won’t do drugs.”

Blue Stones FC head coach Cleto Zezere said he welcomed platforms that keep players engaged while supporting healthier choices in the community. “As a coach, I am very happy that these platforms, apart from keeping the boys occupied also helps the community in terms of the health of these boys and making sure that they are away from the social ills and so we want more of these tournaments,” he said.

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MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League chairperson Sweeney Mushonga said the tournament also supports talent identification, while reinforcing anti-drug messaging. “As the MCM Estates NRSL, we wish to register our gratitude to the Highfield Area Zone for organising such a tournament because it helps keep our boys from drug and substance abuse and also goes a long way in talent identification,” he said.

Highfield Area Zone secretary-general Benedict Chitanda said the sponsor responded to challenges seen in the community and assisted participating teams with equipment.

“It was important for us to organise this tournament because SINET saw the ills in our community and decided to help; they bought balls and kits for all teams, which is very commendable,” Chitanda said.

The Super Eight Cup featured eight teams drawn from the Highfield Area Zone pool. Organisers and participants said they hope similar community tournaments can be held regularly as part of ongoing drug abuse awareness campaigns in Zimbabwe.

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