adminHIGHLANDERS Academy striker Prince Dube on New Year’s Day returned to the dusty fields of Badala Business Centre in Inyathi where his career took off as he inspired local side Shooting Stars to a 1-0 victory over Inyathi Rovers in the final of an annual event funded by a South Africa-based businessman.
Dube, the leading top goal scorer for the Highlanders Academy side which won promotion into the Zifa Southern Region Division One could be a perfect replacement for Obadiah Tarumbwa who has reportedly joined league champions Chicken Inn.
The 18-year-old Dube found the target 20 times for the Highlanders Academy who finished second to Talen Vision in the Zifa Bulawayo Division Two league and got elevated to higher competition. He is understood to have signed a three-year deal with Highlanders.
Shifting play from both wings and settling in at the centre, the lanky striker scored the all important goal for the Admos Ncube-coached Shooting Stars in a tightly contested final. He also found the target in his team’s 5-0 routing of local community rivals Black Swallows in the semi-finals. In the other last four encounter, Inyathi Rovers defeated Bubi Football Club 3-1. Bubi, a team funded by the tournament sponsor Khumbulani Moyo had a number of active footballers in their side who include former Tsholotsho striker Sijabuliso Simango.
For their efforts, Shooting Stars walked away with a trophy, gold medals and a cash prize. All the teams which took part in the tournament also got cash rewards. The event has been held on New Year’s Day since 2013.
Just to show how popular the future Bosso star is with the local community, the crowd chanted Gaddafi which seems to be his nickname when Dube went up to receive his medal.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter