The inaugural edition of Ta Shey Frank Football Tournament for Peace in Ndu town, Donga Mantung division in the North West region was a massive success with a record turnout.
Over 2000 turned out, at the CBC field in Ndu on Sunday April 9, 2023 to watch the finals of the first edition of Ta Shey Frank Football Tournament for Peace in Ndu sub Division. That kind of crowd is not given in the conflict-stricken region of the North West region. The 2 in 1 football finals brought together fans, supporters of two football categories – the (U13) and the senior category. Local authorities have named the finals, the biggest crowd-puller event in the municipality in recent time.
The Divisional Officer for Ndu Sub Division, Adamu Shuaibu Ibrahim praised the benefactor Ntumfon Franklin Ndzi Nformi also known as Ta Shey Frank for the wonderful initiative to build peace. He used the example of the donor, calling on elite from his area of command to come up with peace initiatives. Blown away by the massive turnout, Donga Mantung SDO, Dr. Nkwenti said “ By taking the tournament to Ndu, you were in a sense sending out a very loud message not only to the populations of this entry and exit command unit which has been held captive by aggressive neighbours, but you are also giving a hot message to Donga Mantung as a whole”. The donor has been organising football tournaments in neighbouring Nkambe to Ndu, which enjoys more peace.
Fairplay on the Pitch, Peace Outside
The sponsor and initiator of the name titled Ta Shey Frank Football Tournament for Peace; Ntumfon Franklin Ndzi Nformi praised the 16 teams that participated in the tournament for their maturity and discipline. He blew praises at organizing committee for job well done throughout the tournament especially in the aspect of mobilization. Turning to the locals, the donor said the tournament was all about using football to grow love, tolerance and peace in the community and shun violence. Though a member of the CPDM, and a councillor of the ruling party, Franklin Nformi said football for peace tournament is apolitical, and focuses on building a community that cherishes peace and fair play. He told the population of Ndu that a similar tournament is going on in Mbuwarr zone with 6 villages participating, and another is also taking place in Bih zone – all areas within Donga Mantung division.
When the central referee blast the final sound from his whistle Mbarse FC had crushed Bafana Bafana FC 4-3 in penalties after a 1-1 draw on the pitch. The fairplay on the field is expected to spill over throughout the community.
Jude VIBAN
