Nyoni wins double

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZRP FC player Innocent Nyoni won a double after he was voted Player of the Tournament and Best Midfielder at the four-team Herentals Group of Colleges invitational football tournament at the National Sports Stadium at the weekend.

The midfield hardman and his side managed to reach the finals of the quadrangular tournament, which they eventually lost 4-3 on penalties to Herentals. Nyoni’s side beat Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera’s Cranborne Bullets 2-1 in the semi-finals to book a place in the final against Herentals whom they held to a 0-0 draw after regulation time. Herentals had beaten Blue Swallows 1-0 in the other semi-final. Nyoni, a former ZRP FC captain who has seen it all in both the Premier Soccer League and Division One, said he was happy to be recognised for his hard work.

“Playing against Herentals, which got a Premiership promotion ticket, always comes with a lot of challenges and I am happy that I was voted Player of the Tournament as well as Best Midfielder. We thank the organisers for hosting this tournament and it helps us remain strong, especially during the off-season break. We gave them a good run for their money but with penalties anything can happen.

“I think I still have a lot to offer and I hope to help my side gain Premiership status next season,” said Nyoni. Goalkeeper Frank Kuchineyi, a late second half substitute, was the hero of the day after he managed to save penalties from ZRP FC’s Tendai Chimungo and Kudzai Dhlamini.

Kuchineyi came in to replace Kudakwashe Magama for Herentals towards the end of regulation time as they prepared for penalties. Herentals pocketed $1 200. ZRP walked away with the runners-up prize of $500 while third-placed Blue Swallows pocketed $300.

Craneborne Bullets got a consolation prize of $200. The tournament is the brainchild of Innocent Benza, the Herentals owner and midfielder, who was showing his gratitude to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Awards
Best Goalkeeper – Kudakwashe Magama (Herentals), Best Midfielder – Innocent Nyoni, Player of the Tournament – Innocent Nyoni (ZRP FC), Best Defender – Blessing Maunganidze (Herentals), Most Exciting Talent – Walter Masenda (Cranborne Bullets), Top Goalscorer – Leeroy Bernard (Blue Swallows), Coach of the Tournament – Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva (Herentals).