BARNA GETS HIS ACCOLADE

Bruce Chikuni

WHAT a great moment for domestic football!

On Saturday, the late Simba Bhora midfielder, Banabas Mushunje, was named the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup player of the tournament.

Prior to his untimely death, in a road accident, he had won two Man-of-the-Match accolades in the tournament.

It was a fitting reward for a man who helped his team reach the final only to lose to Golden Eagles.

Tinashe Balakasi and Raymond Uchena shared the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

They scored two goals apiece.

Veteran goalkeeper, Munyaradzi Diya, was the recipient of the Golden Glove award.

Although they lost in the final, Simba Bhora will defend the Region’s badge in an inter-regional Super Cup against Green Fuel.

Green Fuel are the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League champions.

The match is slated for November 5 at Wadzanai in Shamva. This was confirmed by ZIFA Northern Region Division One chairman, Martin Kweza. Simba Bhora coach, Arthur Tutani, said luck was not on their side in the final on Saturday.

“It was a good game for the fans, and I believe everyone enjoyed the match.

“I think we played better in the second half and we were just unfortunate to concede in the manner that we did,” said Tutani.

“We have to accept defeat. Every dog has it’s day, and I want to congratulate Eagles for winning the Cup.” Eagles coach Gilbert Mushangazhike hailed his charges for coming to the party.

“It was a great game, and we started the game very well. We were enjoying good combinations from the boys.

“We created good chances in the first half, and I think we should have scored, but I’m satisfied with how we played,” said Mushangazhike.

“I’m very happy with the victory. We needed this win for our fans, bosses and everyone associated with the club.”