By Shamaine Chirimujiri
THE Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) Allstars from Mbare emerged victorious in a drug awareness tournament held over the weekend at Glen Norah Stadium in the capital.
The tournament, which was organised by ZCLDN, featured eight teams from different high-density suburbs in Harare, was aimed at promoting drug awareness through sports.
The tournament, which was held under the theme “Support, Don’t Punish,” brought together drug survivors and participants from various suburbs across the capital.
And it was the ZCLDN Allstars who defeated Highfield-based C-Academy via a penalty shootout after the match had ended goalless in regulation time. The winning coach, Kudakwashe Madzima, expressed joy and pride in his team’s dedication and hard work.
“Today’s victory is not just about winning a tournament, but about scoring a goal against drug use in our communities. “Our players have shown that they are not only skilled on the field, but also committed to promoting a drug-free lifestyle and this tournament has been a fantastic platform to engage young people in the conversation about drug awareness and prevention.”
“I am incredibly proud of our team, ZCLDN Allstars, for their dedication and hard work. They are champions both on and off the pitch. This win is a testament to the power of teamwork, discipline, and a shared vision for a drug-free future.”
Blessing Kachidza, a drug survivor from ZCLDN Allstars, shared his personal story of transformation through football. “My journey from drug addiction to recovery has been transformed by football, which has become my source of comfort, strength, and redemption,” he said.
“Football gave me a second chance at life. After struggling with drug addiction, I found solace in the beautiful game.
Today, as a member of ZCLDN Allstars, I am proud to be part of a team that is not only passionate about football but also dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use,” he added. ZCLDN director Wilson Box emphasised the need for a drug policy reform, citing the evolution of drug use into a pressing public health issue.
“Football has the power to unite and inspire, and we have seen that power in action this weekend. Let us continue to use sports as a tool for social change,” he said. “Let us expand our ecosystems of change by fostering an environment where health, human rights and dignity are at the forefront of our response to drug use.