By Tendai Chisiri
The Zimbabwe Amputee Football Federation (ZAFF) and the Palestine Embassy in Zimbabwe held a football tournament in commemoration of the Day of International Solidarity with the Palestine People in Ruwa, Harare on Friday.
The Day of International Solidarity with the Palestine People is held annually on November 29, as decreed by the United Nations.
Ambassador Tamir Almassri of the Palestine Embassy in Zimbabwe condemned Israel’s defiance of the ceasefire reached on October 11, 2025, stating, “This year, the Palestine People are under Israeli genocide. The Israeli have killed more than 300 Palestinian civilians since the ceasefire and blocked the Gaza strip. There is no medication. Israel has destroyed the entire health sector.”
Amb Almassri further emphasized that Israel continues to push for the displacement of Palestinians from their homelands, enlarge illegal settlements in the West Bank, and divide cities and villages with over 1,000 checkpoints, reminiscent of the Apartheid regime in Southern Rhodesia.
ZAFF founding president and Ruwa George Al-Quds Amputee FC, Musarafu, stated that their mission is to develop sports for people with disabilities, particularly those who have suffered limb loss. “Our new type of ball is called amputee football, which is convenient for those with disabilities.”
” The tournament today is a tournament of miracles, where you watch people on crutches playing football with exclusive skills found in mainstream football.”
Musarafu highlighted the challenges faced by amputee football, including funding issues and being treated as a charity sport. He emphasized the need for greater attention and budget allocation for the development of paralympic sports, including amputee football.
Cecilia Musasa, who works with amputees in Chipinge District, Manicaland Region, reported that the amputees are enthusiastic about the project, attending meetings and training sessions in large numbers.
Amanda Haukozi, a 13-year-old girl, shared that amputee football has transformed her life, boosting her confidence and mental health. “It shows that I can do anything without disadvantages or complications. It’s a way of portraying that disability is not inability.”
The tournament featured amputees drafted in teams of people without disabman and women’s football teams, with 20 football teams and 16 teams for other sports participating from Chipinge District.
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