Arenel claim Uhuru bragging rights

Innocent Kurira, Fungai Muderere
[email protected], [email protected]

Arenel 3-1 Indlovu Iyanyathela

FOR the big occasion, both sides brought their “A” game but in the end it would be Arenel who would claim the bragging rights.

The Independence Day provincial Cup final was watched by a huge crowd that had thronged White City Stadium for the country’s 43rd Independence Day celebrations.

One could not define which side the fans were really backing, but one thing for sure it was a fun fare.

The crowd cheered every moment of brilliance regardless of where it came from.

It was indeed a carnival atmosphere.

It might not have been your block-buster fixture but both sides understood the task at hand and they gave it their all.

Arenel were the first to go into the lead after 13 minutes through Zibusizo Dambo.

Indlovu Iyanyathela’s reply would come through a spectacular shot from Karsel Jawa who found the target from outside the box to level matters.

The second-half belonged to Arenel who found their second through Ricardo Sibanda after 62 minutes while Stanson Khanye killed the game as a contest with a goal with nine minutes remaining on the clock.

The game itself was dominated by Arenel but their opponents were never out of the game. The winning coach Kudzai Mhandire was elated with the victory.

“It’s always nice to win matches. This is an important victory given the magnitude of this game. This is a special day for the nation and to win a competition that is dedicated to such a special day is quite an honour,” said Mhandire.

Meanwhile ambitious Zifa Southern Region Division One side Talen Vision needed a penalty lottery to overcome their Filabusi neighbours Jordan Sinnott 3-1 in the inaugural Insiza District Ward 15 Independence Cup match played at a packed Filabusi Government Primary School yesterday.

The meet, which was meant to spice up the country’s 43rd Independence celebrations in the district was sponsored by local businessman Zibusiso Ncube, the proprietor of Majankwe Stores in Filabusi.

For their tireless efforts, Talen Vision got a floating trophy, a goat plus some prize money. On the other hand, Jordan Sinnott went home with a goat and a cash reward.

Yesterday also saw Nkankezi and Amazon women engage in a netball friendly match.

The sponsor of yesterday’s festivities pledged to continue bankrolling the event.