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Raymond Jaravaza in Gweru
GWERU Select, a team made up of players from the Midlands Province capital and surrounding areas beat Panjap Motors FC 2-0 in a belated Heroes Day celebration match played at the Gweru General Hospital on Saturday afternoon.
The annual tournament is played at the same venue every year in commemoration of the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe liberation war heroes.
This year the four-team tourney had to be postponed a fortnight ago due to imminent calls for nationwide demonstrations called by the opposition party, the MDC Alliance.
Panjap FC is sponsored by Harare businessman Brighton Ushendibaba and has a number of local football legends such as ex-Warriors defender Dumisani Mpofu, former Dynamos hardman Masimba Dinyero and Thomas Sweswe, who turned out for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Two goals in each half by Aubrey Nyandoro and Smart Muchabaiwa respectively were enough to guarantee Gweru Select victory.
“We aim to keep young players out of the streets and when they play football legends like their opponents today, it motivates them to strive for bigger things in life,” said Pindukai Chimanikire, the Gweru Select owner.
“The tournament is meant to celebrate the sacrifices made by our fallen and living heroes who played an integral part in liberating our country,” said Ushendibaba.
The game was officiated by Busani Siwawa, a Zifa Eastern Region match referee.
Gweru Select:
Joseph Fernando, Sheriff Dube, Thabiso Machaza, Alpha Romeo, Kenneth Bhuka, Kuda Mawaya, Skhosi Munda, Ali Njoloma, Aubrey Nyandoro, Tatenda Mpande, Smart Muchabaiwa
Subs: Joseph Mubaiwa (Ali Njoloma 67th minute)
Panjap FC:
Brighton Ushendibaba, Thomas Sweswe, Masimba Dinyero, William Mapfumo, Dumisani Mpofu, Ashley Rambanepasi, David Sengu, Oscar Machapa, Blessing Matimura, Sebastian Matende, Charles Mutsunguma
Subs:
Tinashe ‘Fally’ Mureyani (David Sengu78th minute), Fidelis Chifamba (Charles Mutsunguma 84th minute)
Online Reporter