Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) proudly distinguished itself at the 2025 Cluster 1 edition of the Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association (ZUSA) Games, held at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).

Held under the inspiring theme 𝐷𝑟𝑢𝑔-𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, the tournament brought together athletes from 16 universities across Zimbabwe, celebrating sporting excellence and wellness.

MSUAS competed in various disciplines including soccer, athletics, chess, darts, cricket, pool, and table tennis, and emerged as one of the standout institutions.

Leading the MSUAS charge was Dylan Nyarumwe, who delivered an electrifying performance on the track. He clinched gold in the 40-metre paralympic sprint and silver in the long jump, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s top athletes.

In table tennis, MSUAS athletes shone brightly. Against the Women’s University in Africa, the men’s singles team claimed a 3–1 win, while the women’s singles delivered a clean sweep, finishing 4–0. In doubles, the pairings of Ngonidzashe Mapuranga and Blessing Mukazika (men) and Talent Makuvaza and Regina Kumadiro (women) each earned 2–0 victories.

The winning momentum continued in the fixtures against Harare Institute of Technology. The men’s singles team triumphed 5–1, the women’s team secured a 3–2 win, and both doubles sides repeated their winning formula with 2–0 scorelines. These collective efforts advanced MSUAS to the quarterfinals.

These performances secured MSUAS a place in the quarterfinals, affirming the university’s growing reputation in the sport.

In darts and cricket, MSUAS teams displayed commendable teamwork, patience, and coordination. While results varied, their competitive spirit and steady growth were evident.

The chess team engaged with strategic insight and composure, demonstrating mental discipline against tough opponents. Though they did not dominate the podium, they laid a solid foundation for future success in mind sports.

In pool, MSUAS players stood out for their focus, consistency, and mutual support in tightly contested matches.

In football, MSUAS approached each match with tactical discipline and maturity. Despite intense competition, the team maintained a strong defensive line and demonstrated technical understanding, earning admiration from peers and opponents alike.

Officially opening the games, ZUSA patron and Midlands State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, stressed the importance of sports in combating substance abuse and promoting youth well-being:

“ZUSA games are not just about competition; they are a platform for building healthy habits, promoting mental wellness, and shaping future national champions. As universities, we must continue using sport to create environments free of drug abuse and other harmful behaviours.”

Across all disciplines, the MSUAS contingent conducted themselves with professionalism, integrity, and school pride. Every student-athlete embodied the university’s core values — discipline, responsibility, and resilience — making every match a meaningful extension of their academic and personal development.

As the tournament concluded, MSUAS returned home not just with medals, but with renewed unity, pride and confidence. The experience reaffirmed the university’s mission to nurture well-rounded, socially conscious athletes ready to contribute to national development and global citizenship.

MSUAS celebrates all its athletes — not only for their achievements but for the dignity, focus, and determination with which they represented the institution. Whether on the track, at the table, across the board, or on the field, MSUAS students stood tall — true champions in spirit and purpose