Believe it, it’s not a joke

STUDENTS vs NINJAS

Bruce Chikuni in ZVISHAVANE

HERENTALS versus Bulawayo Chiefs in the Chibuku Super Cup final.

Football, what a beautiful game.

The Students secured their spot after edging FC Platinum 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 stalemate in regula-tion time at Mandava yesterday.

Walter Musona gave the miners the lead in the 31st minute, and it looked like another routine win was on the cards for the platinum miners.

FC Platinum were the better side before the break and could have buried the Students had their strikers been sharp-er.

After the break, the Students played their hearts out to outclass the hosts.

Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when late substitute, Avai Mataranyika, struck from close range.

It was also their first goal at Mandava since being promoted into the Premier Soccer League in 2018.

Mataranyika dedicated his goal to club owner Innocent Benza.

“I wasn’t aware that I was going to play any part in our victory.

“I want to dedicate this victory to Mr Benza for believing in me.

“I was surprised when the coach asked me to warm up. He (Benza) told me to make this opportunity count.

“I want to thank my teammates for a spirited fight, I think we deserved the victory.”

Herentals will meet Bulawayo Chiefs in the final.

Chiefs eliminated Black Rhinos in another penalty shootout earlier.

The match ended goalless.