Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HWANGE High School beat Tongwe High School of Beitbridge 1-0 in the 2025 Orap Zenzele Isuzu Champions Cup boys’ Under-20 final played at Gifford High School on Saturday.
Somvubu from Bubi District, also of Matabeleland North, ensured the province completed a clean sweep of the tournament when they defeated Siyoka, also from Beitbridge, in a penalty shootout.
Somvubu won the shootout 5-4 after a goalless draw in regulation time.
Presley Chinyoka scored the winning goal for Hwange. He had a standout tournament and was adjudged the event’s best player. He received a trophy and certificate for his brilliance from Mike Blatch of Autoworld, the event’s main sponsors.
To reach the final, Hwange topped Group A in the round robin stage after winning all three of their matches. Their victims were Tongwe (Beitbridge), Chaplin (Gweru), and Manjolo of Binga.
In the semi-finals, Hwange edged Guineafowl of Gweru 1-0, while Somvubu beat Tongwe on penalties.
There was no extra time at this exciting event, which attracted some of the best schoolboy and schoolgirl talent from four provinces, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and the Midlands.
Hwange were the defending champions.
Guineafowl finished second in their group with one win, one draw, and one loss, tying on points with hosts Gifford. Somvubu emerged as Group B winners after winning all three of their ties.
In the girls’ section of the tournament, winners Somvubu topped their group with seven points after two wins and a draw. Their pool included Zwangendaba of Lupane, Guineafowl, and Siyoka of Beitbridge.
Zwangendaba were runners-up with four points after one win and a draw in the four-team group.
In the other group, Malungudzi of Beitbridge and Minda (Matobo) finished as the top two teams.
In the semi-finals, Somvubu outplayed Minda, beating the Roman Catholic run institution based in Maphisa Growth Point, 2-0. Siyoka narrowly defeated Malungudzi of Beitbridge 1-0 to book their spot in the final.
Guest of honour Kennedy Ndebele, who is the Zifa vice-president, urged schools to employ trained coaches, warning that unqualified personnel will soon be barred from working with young players.
“Our vision as Zifa is to build a world-class football ecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters professionalism, and positions Zimbabwe’s football as a dominant force in Africa and beyond.
“Zifa is currently involved in training young referees. Participants are happy that matches are being handled by their age mates. We are also engaged in coach education. We have gone nine years without CAF certified courses, but we will engage the Ministry to roll out coaching programmes,” said Ndebele.
He also addressed the issue of safeguarding.
“It will be mandatory that no one coaches without a safeguarding certificate,” he said.
