All roads led to Manicaland provincial capital, Mutare as Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) hosted the biggest sporting event on the universities’ calendar.

Running under the theme ‘Building strengthened student communities against alcohol and substance abuse through sport’, the 2023 Cluster 1 games of the Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association (ZUSA) brought together fourteen universities including the host Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, for two days of fierce competition.

Athletes competed in various sports disciplines, among them soccer, table tennis, darts, chess and pool.

The tournament saw various staff officials from universities in Zimbabwe gracing the event including Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, the Vice Chancellor for Midlands State University as   the Guest of Honor.

In his introductory remarks on the official opening of 2023 ZUSA games, Professor Albert Chawanda the Vice Chancellor at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) expressed his gratitude towards students and individuals for gracing the magnificent tournament as well as for hosting the biggest sporting event for Universities in Zimbabwe  at MSUAS .

“It is indeed a great pleasure and delight to host the ZUSA games for the year 2023. I would like to thank Professor Muzvidziwa who is also the patron of ZUSA for gracing this occasion as well as allowing our university to host such an outstanding occasion.  I am happy to see everyone blooming in the spirit of sports”, said Professor Chawanda”.

Speaking at the games as guest of honor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa revealed that the main theme of the tournament is crucial in addressing issues pertaining to drug and substance abuse among youths in line with the government’s thrust on curbing drug and substance abuse. He informed participants that Zimbabwe and other African countries were facing the scourge of drug consumption among young adults.  Prof Muzvidziwa in his official opening speech reiterated  that “I believe that sporting activities such as that of ZUSA are a complete reflection of good leadership which is sought to curtail the use of alcohol, drugs and other dangerous substances in various students’ communities across the nation. As universities lets continue to utilize these competitions since they assist us to create a more conducive environment that is free from immoral activities”.

ZUSA games are meant to enhance the educational experience of university students through sports competitions of excellence and to provide top students with greater sporting opportunities.