By OnSport Reporter
Former Highlanders and Zimbabwe Warriors defender Thulani “Biya” Ncube has added his voice to the chorus of praise for Marvelous Nakamba, following a successful Under-17 invitational tournament hosted by the Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF) in Hwange over the weekend.
Ncube, now based in the United States and the founder of Biya 4 Academy, one of the ten participating teams, took to social media to express his gratitude for the well-organized event held at Chakona Stadium.
“Biya4 Academy would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marvelous Nakamba, the MN Foundation, and the organizers… for the warm invitation and the exceptional hospitality,” Ncube wrote on Facebook. “Your dedication, organization, and commitment to empowering youth through sport are truly inspiring.”
His praise echoes that of football authorities present, including ZIFA vice-president Kenny Ndebele, who commended the foundation for creating crucial pathways for young players.
Ncube’s academy lived up to its founder’s defensive pedigree on the pitch, producing a standout performance. Biya 4 Academy emerged from the group stage unbeaten and without conceding a single goal.
Their campaign included a Bulawayo derby draw with Njube Hotspurs (0-0), a stalemate against eventual tournament winners Hwange (0-0), and a 1-0 victory over GG Grassroots Soccer Academy before winning 3-0 against Ponel courtesy of a walkover. They topped Group A with eight points.
However, their remarkable defensive run ended in heartbreak during the semi-finals. After a 0-0 draw with Binga Soccer Academy, they were narrowly knocked out 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout.
The tournament was ultimately clinched by the host team, Hwange, who defeated Binga Soccer Academy 1-0 in the final to cap off their own unbeaten campaign through a Deroy Mumba first half strike. The event successfully drew teams and talent from across the country, from Binga and Bulawayo to Harare, fulfilling its goal of uniting and showcasing youth football.
For Ncube, the value extended far beyond the results. “It was an honor to take part in a tournament that not only showcases football talent but also promotes unity, discipline, and community development,” he stated. “Thank you for creating such a meaningful platform for young players to grow, connect, and dream big.”
His sentiment underscores the broader impact of the tournament, which local coaches and scouts hailed as a transformative platform for discovering talent and inspiring community-based youth development.