Mbembesi win Godlwayo South Soccer League

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
MBEMBESI are the winners of the third edition of the 13-team Godlwayo South Soccer League with the awards ceremony scheduled for the end of this month.

Even with second-placed Dekezi having a game in hand, which they are playing today against Singwambizi, Mbembesi have already wrapped up the title. Mbembesi finished with 63 points while Dekezi, who are in action this afternoon are on 54.

Bhekimpilo Maranda Sithole, the GSSL board chairman said it was a good season during which the competition was tough between Mbembesi and Dekezi. Highlanders and Zimbabwe Warriors legend, Madinda Ndlovu will be the guest of honour at the awards ceremony to be held on 27 December at Avoca Cultural Centre. Ndlovu, who is reportedly close to making a return as Highlanders coach last Friday confirmed that he had accepted the invitation to grace the GSSL awards ceremony.

“Madinda Ndlovu will be the guest of honour at our awards ceremony where we are expecting 500 people. It will be a feast with food provided, a beast will be slaughtered to feed all the people in attendance,’’ said Sithole.

According to Sithole, who together with Kossam Mavuna Ndlovu and Zibusiso Majankwe Ncube are the sponsors of the GSSL, they have asked sons and daughters of Godlwayo to assist the teams in fulfilling fixtures seeing that there is a transport challenge.

Sithole said an invitation has sent out to all the local leadership for the awards ceremony, with the biggest name being Chief Vezi Maduna.

“We also appeal to Godlwayo sons and daughters to assist so that our guys are rewarded handsomely, they are free to contact me for that,’’ he said.

Spokesperson for the GSSL, Happymore Tshuma said the league has brought with it a lot of excitement within the Insiza South community as it has played a part in crime reduction. With Ndlovu’s name being mentioned for guest of honour at the awards ceremony, Tshuma said there was a lot of excitement as people await the big day.

“The formation of this league has brought happiness and unity within Godlwayo. The crime rate has declined compared to previous years. Everyone is looking forward to the awards ceremony because Madinda Ndlovu has been mentioned as the guest of honour,’’ Tshuma said.

Winners of the GSSL will pocket $400, the first runners up have a reward of $200, $100 is for third place while the team in fourth place will pocket $60. There are also individual accolades, player of the year, these for the most outstanding goalkeeper, best coach, top goal scorer and exceptional referee.

This is the first time since the league started in 2015 that the teams and players will be getting rewarded for their efforts. It was made possible by Sithole, Ncube and Ndlovu who in July launched a sponsorship for the league.

During the launch, Member of Parliament for Insiza South, Malach Nkomo also pledged $200 which will go towards prizes to be handed out on 27 December.-@Mdawini_29