Community soccer tourney cancelled over VP Mohadi

 

Kovedzayi Takawira 

Gwanda – Gwanda mayor, Thulani Moyo has come under fire following accusations of politically motivated decisions to cancel the Morgan Foundation Soccer Tournament, originally scheduled for Phelandaba Stadium.

The tournament, intended to promote local talent and address social challenges such as drug abuse, was cancelled twice—on 22 December 2024 and 11January 2025—apparently to prioritise an event linked Vice President Kembo Mohadi.  

The cancellation comes ahead of the planned VP Kembo Mohadi Tournament, scheduled for 24-25 January—two weeks later—fuelling speculation about potential political interference.

 

There is strong speculation that the Morgan Foundation founded by Milton Nare was deliberately sidelined due to suspected family ties to Mpiyezwe Nare, a Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for the Gwanda Tshitaudze constituency in 2023. 

Ironically, Milton Nare’s mother is a Zanu PF leader in the Gwanda war veterans’ wing.  

Milton Nare voiced his dismay over the cancellation of the tournament and suspects a  political hand behind the cancellation.

“It doesn’t make sense to cancel our tournament twice for the same reason. After making payments, I was questioned by state security agents, the CIO (central Intelligence Organisation) about the foundation, its funding, and motives,” he said.

“This was shocking since the initiative is purely community-focused. 

“I have no political affiliations, and my mother, a Zanu PF chairperson in one of the wings that have to do with war veterans, even accompanied me to the mayor’s office,” he lamented. 

Milton Nare recalled a tense meeting with the mayor.

“When we went to invite the mayor, he asked a lot of questions about the foundation and how the tournament would benefit the community. 

“Despite our explanations, he was unwelcoming and mentioned a potential VP’s tournament that had no set date. 

“We assumed ours would proceed as planned, given how close we were to the event date,” he added. 

An 8 January letter from the Gwanda municipality attributed the cancellation to a “national function,” though the VP’s tournament was only announced after the Morgan Foundation’s indicated its plans.  

“In response to your booking of Phelandaba Stadium for January 11, 2025, the council appreciates your interest in using the facility. 

“However, please be informed that the stadium has been earmarked to host a national function within the coming days until further notice. 

“Therefore, all prior reservations have been put on hold. In light of this, may you consider rescheduling your football tournament to a later date to be advised,” read the Gwanda municipality letter.

Mayor Moyo dismissed allegations of political bias, blaming administrative errors and logistical conflicts. 

He cited security concerns and procedural issues, questioning the tournament’s community benefits.  

“A mistake was made by an intern who booked the event during the holidays without senior approval. 

“Once the VP’s office indicated its interest, the stadium became a security area, beyond our jurisdiction,” said Moyo.

“Initially, we had planned to service the grounds during the off-season, but this work was deferred for the VP’s event,” added Moyo.

However, receipts from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and clearance letters from the Sports and Recreation Commission that were reviewed by NewsHub show the organisers had fulfilled all requirements.  

 

 

In an interview, Mpiyezwe Nare, the 2023 opposition candidate, denied any links to his brother’s foundation and said the cancellation of the tournament was “an abuse of power”. 

“I have no involvement with the Morgan Foundation or its tournament.  I run the Mdluli Foundation, focusing on menstrual health for rural girls. This cancellation is abuse of power,” he said. 

The cancellation has been widely criticised for denying the community an opportunity to showcase talent.

 “We had support from renowned players like Cecil Nyoni, who flew in to observe and report back to his club, Sheffield, on Wednesday. 

“Other stars like Milton Ncube, Kuda Mahachi, and Thulani ‘Biya’ Ncube were set to inspire young talent. 

“The tournament would have brought entertainment and economic activity to the town while benefiting the local soccer community,” said Milton Nare. 

The Morgan Foundation organisers have vowed to continue their efforts, despite the setback, as questions linger over the true motivations behind the cancellations.