After a day filled with Tiki-takas and other crafty skills from Zimbabwe’s best junior football teams, Majesa Academy defeated Highlanders FC in the finals of the 2022 Marvelous Nakamba under 17 invitational tournament. The team from the scenic Mutare Majesa Academy claimed victory by two goals to one.

Running for the first time, Marvelous Nakamba under 17 invitational tournament was held at White City Stadium on the weekend of June 25-26. The road to the final started off with eight participating teams on June 25 with matches being played in a round robin format.

The first semi-final saw Highlanders FC take on Chicken Inn, and after a heavily contested match, Highlanders went on to the finals. Majesa snatched a win from Ajax Hotspurs to set up a delightful final with the Bosso juniors.

The final saw both teams bring their A-game, however Majesa proved to be the hungrier team on the day. The first half saw Majesa score their winning goals courtesy of striker Norest Mazemo and Keith Muzengeza. An early second half goal by Nhlanhla Musaliwa came with hope for the Bosso camp, but it couldn’t change the fortunes as the team from the eastern highlanders had already set the tone with the two goals.

The winners of the 2022 Marvelous Nakamba under 17 invitational tournament walked away with a floating trophy and certificates for each player, the runners up Highlanders were also bestowed with certificates for each player.

In a quest to know more about the champions Kudakwashe Takundwa gathered this interview for you.

“For me, winning isn’t something that happens on the field when the match starts or ends, winning is something built physically and mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream”- Prosper Padera (Majesa Captain)

Tell us more about Majesa?

Manicaland Juniors of Excellence Soccer Academy (MAJESA) is a youth football academy in Mutare, founded by football development enthusiasts Charles Chave and technically assisted by Samson Kabwe. MAJESA focuses on development of boys and girls aged from 8 to 19 years. It’s the first academy to recognize the girl child participation in the world of soccer. It focuses on three vital points which are education, football and character development.

How do you feel about winning the inaugural edition?

At a young age winning is the most important thing as it develops creative and skilled players with good confidence. As a team we are so grateful.

Word from coach

“It’s not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game.”

Word from the captain

“For me, winning isn’t something that happens on the field when the match starts or ends, winning is something built physically and mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream.”

Advise to young people?

Focus, determination and commitment.

Where are they located?

Mutare, Manicaland Province.

Other tournaments they have won?

Kicking Out Covid 19 Tournament 2020

Mutare South Youth Tournament 2021

Word to the tournament organisers?

Organising is never an accident. It is always the result of commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort and this is exactly what we saw. We really appreciate and we look forward to more tournaments.