Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube [email protected]
ZIFA Southern Region Division 2 League champions, Golden Lions Football Club from Victoria Falls, delivered an impressive performance over the weekend, finishing second at the 8th Willard Katsande Under-18 Soccer Tournament in Mutare.
The tournament, held at Chisamba Grounds, featured 22 teams from across Zimbabwe. Golden Lions reached the final but narrowly lost to Majesa 4-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Participating in the competition for the first time, the Victoria Falls team claimed silver medals, a full set of football kits, and training equipment as runners-up. The team also achieved notable individual accolades, with Innocent Lunga named Player of the Tournament and captain Arsene Ncube awarded Defender of the Tournament. Additionally, the Golden Lions were recognised as the most disciplined team in the competition.
The team boasts two players, Jerome Muli and Blessing Mukachana, who recently represented Zimbabwe in the COSAFA Under-17 Tournament in South Africa.
McMillan Kima Sibanda, the team’s managing director, hailed the tournament as a valuable experience for the players, coaches, and the club.
“The tournament featured 22 teams. We played four matches in the group stages, finishing first in our group. We advanced to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, ultimately reaching the final where we lost 5-4 to Majesa in penalties,” said Sibanda.
While lamenting poor officiating, Sibanda commended the team’s endurance and discipline, which carried them to the final. He praised the players for their determination and fighting spirit.
This success follows the Golden Lions’ victory at the national Jadel International Invitational Under-16 Tournament in Harare last year.
“Currently, we are the champions of the ZIFA Matabeleland North Division 2 League, and I am happy with the progress. The boys are responding well despite the challenges,” said Sibanda.
He described the team’s second-place finish as a significant achievement, given their underdog status. “Coming all the way from Victoria Falls and finishing second out of 22 teams means a lot. Our boys deserve commendation,” he added.
Sibanda extended gratitude to the Victoria Falls community for their support and to the Pristine Victoria Falls Society, who sponsored the team for the tournament.
Golden Lions’ remarkable performance highlights their growing reputation in Zimbabwean football.
Online Reporter