dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda in NEMBUDZIYA, Gokwe
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
(FC Platinum won 3-0 on penalties)
FC PLATINUM clinched their third Uhuru Cup title after dispatching Simba Bhora in a penalty shootout at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe yesterday.
History was made in Gokwe yesterday as the district hosted its first ever top flight match, as part of Government’s devolution programme.
A patient and yet strong crowd waited until 5.30pm when the match finally kicked off.
Although the match was shortened due to the waterlogged pitch and lighting issues, Gokwe fans still had a rare chance of watching 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, while the first three takers for Simba Bhora all fired blanks.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza emphasised that this game was not about winning, but to celebrate Independence.
“It was nice to be here,” said Mapeza.
“It’s good for the people of Gokwe, it motivates the youngsters who watched us play.
“We came here to play,” said Mapeza.
Added Mapeza: “Zimbabwe has turned 45 and that was the most important thing.”
This year’s Independence Cup saw the inclusion of women’s football for the first time in history.
Herentals Queens beat Black Rhinos on Thursday.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Art and Culture Emily Jesaya said it was 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.
In Bulawayo, Chicken Inn were crowned champions of the Bulawayo Province Independence Cup after edging Highlanders 1-0 in a tightly-contested encounter yesterday.
The decisive moment came courtesy of a moment of brilliance from goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya, whose pinpoint long ball split the Highlanders defence and found Kumbirai Mutenha.
The forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball home to give Chicken Inn a slender lead they held onto until the final whistle.
Both teams took the opportunity to rotate their squads, giving fringe players a platform to impress in the high-stakes clash.
While Highlanders pushed for an equaliser in the second half, Chicken Inn’s resolute defending and structured play saw them see out the match.
Speaking after the win, Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas was full of praise for his players.
“I saw some players who raised their hands to say they are ready to play first team football. I was really impressed with the way the boys played,” said Antipas.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu expressed disappointment at conceding what he felt was a preventable goal.
“It was a good game. But Chicken Inn did not give us much of a threat in terms of attack. We once again conceded a soft goal which we could have avoided. Again, I will say this is an area we really have to work on,” said Kaindu.
The result sees Chicken Inn claim local bragging rights.
Elsewhere, Ngezi Platinum walloped Mwos 3-0 at the Mashonaland West 45th Independence celebrations at Uhuru Nakazi in Chegutu.
Chegutu netball team beat Gadzema to lift the cup in the netball category.
Online Reporter