Over the weekend, football fans in the Upper East region were treated to some exciting juvenile football matches at the St John’s park and the Zamse Senior High Technical School park as 20 male and 10 female teams took part in the ZIDA Juvenile football tournament.
The ZIDA Juvenile tournament is an annual football tournament solely funded by Salifu Zida, the Upper East regional football association chairman and owner of Bolga All Stars.
One needed to be at either game venues to see the kinds of performances exhibited by the teams. Especially, those coming from outside the regional capital, Bolgatanga.
It was a whole week of exciting football showcased by the little ones as many admirers of the game came in their numbers to either support their teams or admire the young footballers exhibit their skills on the field of play.
In retrospect, what I witnessed at the St John’s park has been put together by one man in his quest to nurture talent for the region. And I am of the opinion that he is a man with a golden heart and passion to see his region develop as far as football is concerned. Hence it is important he is given commendation for his efforts, as there are many others in the region with significantly more resources than Mr. Zida. They, however, would not deign to buy a single jersey for any football team in the region.
All the 30 teams that took part in the tournament went home with a football each.
The winners and 1st runners up in all four categories walked home with a set of jerseys and a trophy each, whiles the 2nd runners up in each category took home a set of jerseys.
Two teams were each specially rewarded with a set of jerseys though they finished below receiving any honors. This was for travelling from afar to take part in the competition.
All participating teams were provided with water from the very first match until the final day of the tournament. Referee fees paid for officiating the matches and many other significant costs that went into the organization of the tournament were all borne by Mr. Zida.
One can only imagine the amount of money and other resources invested in putting together this tournament. In light of this, I believe if we are fortunate to have only three more people with his kind of disposition in our region, our football will develop at a phenomenal pace.
It must be said, that it is not easy for one man to consistently do this for 10 years without support from anyone. This is the reason why I think Mr. Salifu Zida must be commended and encouraged to keep organizing such competitions. To at least keep our local clubs, especially the younger age groups active as there are not many competitions organized in the region for them.
As a fervent believer in the development of my region. I would like to pat Mr Zida on the back and urge him to keep his focus and not allow people distract him from his brilliant efforts promoting football in the region.
Mr Zida has shown that his love and passion for football goes beyond just owning a football club. I hope other prominent football actors will emulate this man’s push to put the Upper East region on the map of world football by supporting him in whichever way they can.
As a sports journalist, he has earned my respect and admiration over the years simply due to the manner in which he puts in everything to see to the betterment of teams in the region.
I will want to end by pronouncing a blessing; Mr Zida, God will continue to bless your finances so you can continue to organize many more ZIDA Tournaments in the region.
LONG LIVE MR SALIFU ZIDA SALYMAN
LONG LIVE UPPER EAST REGION FOOTBALL.
By Abagna Jose Nelson
