Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
GO-BOYZ sealed their place in the history books on Sunday after being crowned champions of the inaugural National Futsal League, capping a season of dominance with a colourful awards ceremony at Bulawayo’s Young Women Christian Association.
Guided by Michael Gumede, the Bulawayo outfit swept past all challengers in a tightly contested campaign that ended with Nedbank FC finishing second and TNS Rovers taking third place.
Backed by sponsors Morgan Chisiri through Catering Solutions and Events Company and CA Grant, Go-Boyz topped the standings with 49 points and were rewarded with the championship trophy and gold medals for their relentless consistency.
An emotional Gumede, who was named League Coach of the Year, said the title was hard earned, particularly in the closing stretch of the season.
“We are very much excited. It was not an easy campaign especially in these last games.”
He added, “The last games in the last two weeks were taxing. We had to deal with player management as we would have elders taking these boys to go and play social games and offer them drinks, which is not good at all. In that regard, we want to challenge everyone involved in the league to make sure our league programme runs smoothly.”
Go-Boyz also dominated the individual awards, underlining their authority across the season.
Towering forward Thabani Mlilo scooped both the Top Goalscorer and Best Player of the Season awards after a remarkable 30 goal haul, while teammate Keith Ncube claimed the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade, having conceded just seven goals all season.
Amabhubesi’s Qiniso Mpofu, aged 15, walked away with the Youngest Player of the Year award.
Despite falling short of the title, Nedbank FC left the ceremony encouraged by their campaign. Club official Mpilolwenhle Ncube said the season had been a success built on strong backing.
“We had a good season throughout. We are grateful to our sponsors Nedbank for the support they have been giving us. We would not have been playing in this league without them chipping. We are looking forward to another exciting and competitive season,” said Ncube.
TNS Rovers chairman Nesta Dube described their third place finish as a major milestone, especially given their struggles last season.
“I remember last season we finished at the bottom of the log and here we are today, we finished the season on number three. It is a really pleasing development. I would also want to thank the leadership of the league for the job well done,” said Dube.
The ceremony attracted senior football figures, including Zifa executive committee member responsible for competitions Thomas Marambanyika, who was the guest of honour, and prominent netball coach Patience Mutumwa.
Marambanyika praised the growth of the league but urged stakeholders to push it further.
“I want to thank the sponsors of the teams but there is a need to further project the brand very well. The average age of the players is 19 which is very impressive. There is also a need to work on Five-A-Aside infrastructure and let’s work together on that as we also need to have well trained personnel.”
