Dewure, Chidayamakono win Copa Coca-Cola finals

Ellina Mhlanga in Bulawayo
MASVINGO Province schools proved to be the best at this year’s edition of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys and Under-17 girls football tournament with Dewure and Chidayamakono emerging winners of the finals here yesterday.

It was an affair between Masvingo and Mashonaland Central Province teams in both categories.

Dewure beat Rujeko of Mashonaland Central 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 3-3 in regulation time in the boys section.

Dewure got their goals from Cardwell Chifamba, Audrey Maguchu and Prince Milanzi.

Bright Nhau scored a brace for Rujeko and Ronald Wadula was also on target for his side.

Dewure took the lead just 17 minutes into the game before Wadula equalised for Rujeko two minutes later.

The games were 30 minutes each half and the two teams went into the break 1-1.

However, Rujeko appeared to be the better side in the second half with Nhau scoring a brace. Just three minutes into the game Nhau got a pass from Wadula outside the box before beating the Dewure defenders to score from close range.

He came back to haunt Dewure five minutes later and again he was on target for his side.

But Dewure kept on fighting with Milanzi scoring a long range from a free-kick outside the box and this was the turning point for the Masvingo province representatives. They then got the equaliser after 55 minutes with just five minutes to full time.

Dewure coach, Paul Mahutu paid tribute to his players for a job well done as they managed to bounce back into the game coming from 3-1 down to force the penalty lottery.

“One of the things we did correctly we worked on shooting penalties and we always play with God in our minds, that’s why we have been very successful in this tournament.

“We managed to absorb all the pressure and then we attacked we did our raids and we scored. It’s nice to win, with God everything is possible and I am very delighted. Masvingo are the champions in Zimbabwe, we are just good,” said Mahutu.

In the girls section Chidyamakono retained their title for the third consecutive year becoming the first school to achieve such a feat when they beat St Francis 1-0.

Sarah Nyambanga scored the only goal for Chidyamakono that saw them beating St Francis 1-0 in a repeat of last year’s final. The two schools met again in the finals last year at Gwanzura in Harare and Chidyamakono won by the same margin.

Chidyamakono coach Yeukai Chiruvu could not hide her joy as she joined her players for celebrations on the pitch soon after the referee blew the final whistle.

“I am very happy. I cannot even express how I feel right now but all I can say is I am very happy.

“We realised that their midfield was lacking so we told Sarah to attack from the midfield and this gave the results.

“As Chidyamakono we work hard, we do not rest. St Francis were playing good football and they dominated the first half but I am happy with the girls’ performance,” said Chiruvu.

Nyambanga, who score the crucial goal for Chidyamakono said she was happy that they defended their title.

“I am really happy we knew we were going to win. At first they were proving to be a difficult side but we managed to score and we are excited we won. We are now recognised as a strong team in the country so we are happy,” said Nyambanga.

Winners in the boys section walked away $6 500 richer and the girls got $3 000 and trophies for their efforts.

Individual Awards

Boys

Player of the tournament

Ronald Wadula (Rujeko).

Top Goal Scorer

Evans Dambo (How Mine)

Elson Mweha (Guine Fowl)

Best Goalkeeper

Jinnjihad Murevanomwe (Chemhanza)

Best Coach

Paul Mahutu (Dewure)