adminSo dominant was Mhalipe that many within the colourful and appreciative crowd could not help but feel sorry for the Mhalipe boys who failed to convert a normal play time penalty that could have probably won them the match, the $1 000 first prize and a floating shield.
Even during the dreaded shootouts, the boys missed their kick with only Kelumetsi Ndlovu and Bekithemba Nare managing to convert their spot kicks while the winners converted all their kicks through Prosper Dube, Mthandeni Ngwenya, Mzizi Ndebele and Mlamuli Ndlovu.
For their efforts, the losers walked away with a cool $800 and will also join Makhubu Primary and other winners from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North, in Gwanda for the finals which were initially set for 3 August but are likely to be moved to next term due to the national census which teachers are heavily involved in as enumerators.
Third placed Matshetsheni Primary School from Gwanda North, who beat Hingwe from Bulilima district 1-0, received $600 while Hingwe got a hundred dollars less.
All the participants were given $200 by sponsors Ingwebu Breweries.
To get to the final, Makhubu were group winners in Pool B, beating How Mine 3-2, who had their headmaster and Highlanders secretary Andrew Tapela cheering them on, before winning their next match 4-1 over Lubuze from Insiza district.
They were however held 0-0 by third place winners, Matshetsheni.
Losing finalists, Mhalipe, drew 1-1 with Hingwe, beat Minda 2-1 as well as Ndambi from Beitbridge by the same scoreline.
Online Reporter