By RANGANAI DZOTIZEI
The Harare East District was in sporting mood as the winter period sets in with organisations hosting major sporting galas spread over the month of May.
The sports galas were a true spectacle with fierce competition, ecstasy, joy and despair characterizing events as the district used sport to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
The United Methodist Men or Vabvuwi chose the world’s most beautiful game – football – to achieve the church’s mission as their soccer extravaganza attracted the best pair of feet from the district’s 18 circuits at Churchill High School.
After a riveting day of explosive action, goals and entertainment, it is Hatfield who went away victorious as champions after a last gasp penalty ensured a 1-0 win over Harare.
Hatfield were not ruthless on their way to the final but defensive discipline was key as they did just enough to get to the finale whilst Mbare blew opponents away en route to the final but were found wanting when it mattered most.
Zimre Park, for all the promise they showed the entire tournament came a close third after thrashing DomboraMwari 4-0 in the bronze match with Bigboy Mawiwi, a former Dynamos player Harare City coach, in fine scoring form.
He eventually was awarded the Golden Boot after rattling the nets six times during the tournament.
Tyre Treads sponsored the Player of the Tournament award whilst Cascade sponsored the athletics which were done during the football break.
The United Methodist Youth Fellowship held their sports gala on May 16 at Goromonzi High School which drew participation from all circuits.
Soccer and netball were the sporting disciplines competed for and in the football defending champions Sunningdale exerted their dominance by retaining the title with a narrow 1-0 win over Ruwa.
In the netball, Cranborne withstood the heat as they edged much fancied DomboraMwari 4-2 in a tense final to win the trophy for the first time.
The RRW were not to be left out as they had their soccer gala on May 23 at Widdecombe Primary School in Harare with lots of spills, avalanche of goals and drama ensuring.
It was DomboraMwari who were crowned champions after a great tournament which on view could have born many stars, too good to contribute to the Mighty Warriors, Zimbabwe’s national women’s soccer team.
Sport is regarded as a tool which can unite and as evidenced during the month of May, sport can bring souls to Christ and the district is doing its obligation to unite Christians and win souls via sport.