adminJillian Shava Sports Reporter
MZILIKAZI High School won this year’s edition of the Kambarami Soccer tournament when they beat defending champions Falcon College 1-0 in Esigodini on Saturday.
The tournament also involved Petra, Mvuthu, Christian Brothers’ College (CBC), Masiyephambili and Mzingwane.
Mzilikazi had earlier on beaten Falcon 2-0 in the group stages.
After a tightly contested first half in which Falcon missed clear cut scoring chances, Mzilikazi seized control of the game with a starring second half performance capped by a goal courtesy of Rodwell Mutinha.
Mzilikazi, who were making their debut appearance in the annual tournament, dominated their three group matches, which they easily won without conceding a goal.
Mzilikazi coach Khonzani Ncube said their participation in the Kambarami tourney was good preparation for the upcoming Arenel soccer competition.
Falcon had started the tournament on fire, thumping Petra High 4-0 but they met stiff resistance when they played Mzilikazi.
Falcon coach Rodwell Khumalo said they knew Mzilikazi was going to be tough, but they gave it their all.
“We beat all the other teams but couldn’t get it right against Mzilikazi. One defensive lapse cost us the game, nevertheless we learnt a lot from all the teams that we played against,” said Khumalo.
Falcon captain Kumbirai Karuwo applauded Mzilikazi side for their good football throughout the tournament.
“We were used to playing these other teams and that’s why it wasn’t difficult for us to cruise through, but Mzilikazi was just a different story and a new challenge for us. Our coach had warned us to brace for Mzilikazi,” said Karuwo.
derick.khumalo