The Chibuku Stadium came alive with youthful energy and football artistry on Saturday as the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development Under-14 Festival brought together emerging talent, technical experts, and community stakeholders in a vibrant celebration of grassroots football.
Hosted by the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League (CJFDL) in partnership with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), the festival provided an inspiring platform to nurture and showcase young players under the age of 14. The event reaffirmed ZIFA’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of Zimbabwean football through structured junior development.
Young players took part in small-sided fun games and technical drills designed to improve skill, creativity, and teamwork. The activities were led by ZIFA Technical Director, Mr. Dominic Niyonzima, whose presence reflected the Association’s renewed focus on grassroots development. “Grassroots football is the heartbeat of our game,” he said. “The passion and enthusiasm displayed here show that the future of Zimbabwean football is bright, and it starts in communities like Chitungwiza.”
Seventeen academies affiliated with the CJFDL participated, including Brigmer, JB8 Foundation, Marisa, Nuggets Juniors, Ruponeso, Montana Juniors, Syncronecity, Ramah FC, Farpost, Excellence, Wedge FC, Seke North Stars, Zengeza Busters, Sporting Braga, FNF Young Stars, Early Birds, and Vana Vedu. Each team demonstrated impressive skill and discipline, highlighting the depth of talent in Chitungwiza’s junior football structures.
The successful staging of the festival was made possible through the partnership of ZIFA, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, LM Auctioneers, Utano, Sir Charles Fitness, and Replete Care, whose collective support showcased the value of public–private collaboration in sport development.
The festival was graced by several distinguished guests, among them ZIFA Technical Director Mr. Niyonzima, CJFDL Chairperson Mr. Makufa, Ministry of Sport representative Mr. Chikono, Ward 20 Councillor Mr. Murada, former players Felix Masunda and Charles Maguraushe, and ZIFA officials Mr. Jacob Chavungama and Ms. Ivy Mukahanana. Their presence added significance to an event that bridges football’s proud past and its promising future.
A major highlight of the day was ZIFA’s donation of 50 footballs to the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League, a practical gesture reinforcing the Association’s long-term support for youth programs and access to quality equipment. In his remarks, ZIFA’s Mr. Chavungama encouraged the young players to stay disciplined and focused in their pursuit of success. “Talent alone is not enough,” he said. “It takes discipline, respect, and hard work to reach the top. You are the future Warriors, believe in yourselves and keep learning.”
The Chitungwiza Junior Football Development Under-14 Festival was hailed as a resounding success, uniting young athletes, coaches, parents, and community leaders in a shared vision for progress. The enthusiasm displayed at Chibuku Stadium reaffirmed that Zimbabwe’s football future is in capable hands, full of passion, purpose, and potential.
#ZIFADevelopment #GrassrootsFootball #FutureWarriors #ChitungwizaFestival #FootballForAll #RaisingTheGame
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