adminSikhumbuzo Moyo
ALL is now set for the Ingwebu Breweries and National Association of Primary Heads (Naph) boys’ regional soccer finals at White City Stadium this morning.Four schools from the three provinces where Ingwebu Breweries operate, will battle it out for the $2 500 first cash prize and a floating trophy.
Matabeleland North will be represented by Skente Primary School from Tsholotsho, Nkankezi from Insiza will represent Matabeleland South while the hosting province Bulawayo will have two teams Mtshede Primary School from Mzilikazi District and Lozikeyi Primary School from Bulawayo Central.
“It’s all systems go. We are just doing minor touch ups to make sure all things are in place,” said Naph Bulawayo deputy chairperson, Njabulo Bango.
Bango said they will have a draw this morning just before kick-off.
“The draw will see Team A clashing with Team C in the first semi-final with the second semi-final pitting Team B and Team D,” said Bango.
Losing semi-finalists will fight for third place while the winners will battle for first place.
Ingwebu Breweries unveiled a sponsorship package of $35 000 for this year’s tournament with the winners set to go back home with $2 500 cash and a trophy.
Runners-up will pocket $2 000 with the third best and fourth team receiving $1 500 and $1 200 respectively.
Bulawayo’s Induba Primary School won the 2012 edition of the tournament when they beat Gwanda’s Mkhaliphe 1-0 in a final played at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda town.
Inaugurated in 1994, the tournament had a temporary break from 2009 to 2011 due to the economic challenges the country was facing.
To book their place in the finals, Skente Primary School beat firm favourites Kheswa Primary School from Lupane District 4-2 on penalties after the two sides were tied 0-0 after regulation time.
Their Matabeleland South counterparts, Nkankezi Primary School also came through after penalty shootouts, beating Beitbridge’s Chasvingo Primary School 3-2 following a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time.
In Bulawayo Mtshede Primary School were 1-0 winners over Lozikeyi.
Online Reporter