Sundaymail Editor
RUSUNGUKO HIGH SCHOOL are the 2017 Under-15 Copa Coca-Cola champions after powering to glory with 10 players here yesterday.
Ten of their players failed the vetting test and the team was left with only 10 eligible lads who turned out to be the perfect 10.
The vetting was as controversial as it was non-scientific: someone would simply look at their build and visually determine that they looked older than 15 before disqaulifying them.
Undeterred, they entered the group stages with their perfect 10 and drew 0-0 with Lobengula and edged Takawira 1-0.
In the quarter and semifinals, the triumphed with identical 1-0 scorelines over Rujeko and Chipindura to set up a final against Pfupajena in a packed Trojan Mine Stadium, whom they dispatched 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
The title was theirs with all games completed a player short and without substitutes.
For their scintillating performance, the Mashonaland East school took home US$5 400, a trophy and gold medals. Pfupajena walked away with US$ 3000, silver medals and a trophy.
The two teams had played out a 1-all stalemate in regulation time.
Rusunguko gaffer Joseph Eremu was over the moon.
“It was disappointing to lose 10 players to vetting, but I left everything to God and told our headmaster that it would be our turning point,” he said. “The players were gutted by how the vetting process turned out but I encouraged them and said their individual brilliance will take us through
“The other plus for us was the fact that these guys are fit, they run 10km every morning and after the evening study we do shuttles as well.”
To cap an unforgettable tournament for Rusunguko, they provided the player of the tournament in Oscar Magejo, best defender in Adrian Svidzi and best goalkeeper in Denzel Marufu. Marufu was also named man of the match in the final.
As Rusunguko were celebrating their first title, Chidyamakono of Masvingo province were cementing their status as the queens of Zimbabwean schools football as they beat Mamunyadza (Mutare) 1-0 for a record fifth successive title.
Beatrice Machona’s second half strike settled matters as Chidyamakono won US$ 3 500, gold medals and a trophy for their efforts.
Their head coach Yeukai Chirumo hailed the school’s junior development policy.
“I am very happy, the happiest person on earth and I thank God,” she said. “We have a strong junior policy and I am grateful to the head, staff and community at large for their support.”
Runners-up Mamunyadza pocketed US$2 200, silver medals and a trophy; and two-time girls’ champs Vainona High went down 0-1 to Mwenezi in the third place play-off.
Mwenezi won US$ 1600, bronze medals and a trophy; while Vainona took home US$1 100.
In the boys third place play-off, hosts Chipindura edged Gutu 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out. Chipindura won US$2 000 and bronze medals, while Gutu collected US$1 500.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter