admin
Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
MAHLABATHINI Football Club are the champions of the annual Royal Cup after they defeated last year’s champions Shooting Stars 1-0 in the final played at Badala Business Centre in Inyathi on New Year’s Day.
Blessmore Nkiwane headed in the only goal of the match with 27 minutes played for Mahlabathini to be crowned champions. Both teams did create goal scoring opportunities but Nkiwane’s goal was all that separated the two teams.
In the semifinals, Shooting Stars won 2-1 over Black Swallows while Mahlabathini saw off Young Stars 3-1 on penalties after the match had concluded 1-1 in normal time. Best and Inyathi Pirates were the other teams that participated in the tournament
For being champions, Mahlabathini were presented with a full soccer kit, trophy and cash prize of US$150. Shooting Stars walked away with US$90 and soccer ball. There were also cash prizes and soccer balls given to all teams that participated in the finals.
In addition, there were individual accolades for the players and the spectators.
In the netball final, Shooting Stars beat Inyathi Pirates 20-8 to walk away with a full kit, trophy and US$60 while the runners up pocketed US$40.
South Africa based Kumbulani Moyo and his young brother Mphilisi are the sponsors of the annual event.
This year’s total sponsorship package was R50 000.
Hwange Football club head coach Bongani Mafu attended the finals on Sunday while Kenneth Mhlophe, the Zimbabwe Football Association technical development committee chairperson witnessed the preliminary round fixtures the day before. – @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter