Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in NEMBUDZIYA, Gokwe
FC PLATINUM clinched their third Uhuru Cup title after defeating Simba Bhora in a penalty shootout at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe yesterday.
History was made in Gokwe as the Midlands District hosted its first-ever top-flight match, part of the Government’s devolution programme. A patient and strong crowd waited until 5:30PM when the match finally kicked off. Although the match was shortened due to the waterlogged pitch and light issues, Gokwe fans still had a rare chance to watch Premier Soccer League stars like 2022 Soccer Star of the Year second runner-up Donald Mudadi, Jarrison Selemani, Mbongeni Ndlovu, and Never Tigere live in action.
The match ended goalless and went straight into a penalty shootout, which FC Platinum won 3-0. Misheck Ngwenya, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, and Thubelihle Jubane converted their penalties, while the first three takers for Simba Bhora all missed.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza emphasised that the game was not about winning but celebrating Independence.
“It was nice to be here. It’s good for the people of Gokwe; it motivates the youngsters who watched us play. We came here to play. Zimbabwe has turned 45, and that was the most important thing,” said Mapeza.
This year’s Independence Cup saw the inclusion of women’s football for the first time in history, with Herentals Queens beating Black Rhinos on Thursday. Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Art and Culture Emily Jesaya said it was the Government’s strategy to recognise the girl child.
“In terms of sports infrastructure development, this year’s Independence celebrations spoke to that. We now have a good football facility at Nembudziya that cannot be taken away,” said Jesaya.
Meanwhile, in a closely fought Bulawayo Province Independence Cup final, Chicken Inn triumphed over Highlanders with a single goal. The winner came from a long ball by Chicken Inn’s goalkeeper, Aron Ngwenya, finding Kumbirai Mutenha, who slotted it home.
Both sides used the match to give squad players a run-out.
Despite Highlanders pushing for an equaliser after the break, Chicken Inn’s defence held firm, securing the victory.
Chicken Inn’s gaffer, Joey Antipas, praised his fringe players, while Highlanders’ coach, Kelvin Kaindu, rued conceding a “soft” goal.
