By OnSport Reporter
The Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF) tournament, hosted in Hwange over the weekend, successfully showcased hidden talent, with Victoria Falls-based outfit Golden Lions emerging as a team that won hearts.
Despite finishing third to win bronze, Golden Lions were undeniably impressive. They remained undefeated throughout the tournament and did not concede a single goal. They amassed the highest points total in the group stages, securing 10 points from four matches in Group B.
Their path included a 3-0 victory over Dinde, 2-0 wins against Nkayi Academy and Binga Soccer Academy, and a 0-0 draw with Highlanders to progress. In the semi-finals, they met eventual winners and hosts Hwange. After a goalless stalemate, they succumbed to a penalty shootout loss against the fired-up hosts, who were backed by a vociferous crowd.
Golden Lions director McMillan Sibanda thanked the tournament organizers, emphasizing it was the perfect platform to showcase their work in Victoria Falls.
“The tournament was good; we really appreciate the organizers for inviting us. As Golden Lions, we believe these tournaments are very important because they give us a platform to showcase the talent we have in Victoria Falls. I am sure we are the most travelling team in Matabeleland North when it comes to attending tournaments,” Sibanda said.
“If you look back in 2023, we traveled all the way to Harare to win the Jadel International Invitational Under-16 tournament. In February 2024, we traveled again to Harare with the Under-12s before attending the Willard Katsande Under-18 tournament in Mutare, where 22 teams competed. We were only beaten by Majesa in the finals in December 2024.”
Sibanda expressed disappointment at finishing third, as his team had appeared favorites after their dominant group-stage performances.
“Finishing third came as a shock because we never expected that, considering how we performed. We dominated all the teams we played against. We know how to prepare for these tournaments—that’s why you see we never conceded a goal. But it’s football; you need to accept whatever outcome and move on,” Sibanda concluded.
Individual accolades followed the team’s success. Forward Karl Mumunge scooped the tournament’s top scorer award with five goals, while goalkeeper Prince Ncube walked away with the goalkeeper of the tournament award.
Golden Lions’ pedigree is further evidenced by their development of national talent. The academy has already produced two players who have represented Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors at junior level: Jerome Muli and Blessing Mukachana were part of the squad that played in the COSAFA Under-17 tournament in South Africa.
Muli, after being named best player at the 2023 Jadel Under-16 International Invitational tournament where Golden Lions were crowned champions, was signed by Scotland FC’s senior team at the beginning of this year. There, he won his first premiership medal at just 16 years of age.
Marvelous Nakamba Foundation Tournament Unearths Football Talent in Hwange
