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Freedom Mutanda
Post Correspondent
THE inaugural edition of the GreenFuel Trophy lived up to its billing as learners from 10 schools around the ethanol producing concern converged for an exciting Under-20 football contest that was hosted over two days.
In a dramatic final where at one time, Rimbi and Chinyamukwakwa soccer teams, were deadlocked at one goal apiece before the breather, Rimbi emerged worthy winners of the inaugural GreenFuel Trophy after finding the target three more times in the second half.
The final encounter was played at the GreenFuel Sports Arena last week on Friday.
In a deliberate Community Social Responsibility act, the secondary schools that participated in the competition are close to where the giant ethanol producing company operates.
Placed in Pool B, Rimbi Under-20 boys easily brushed aside Gutika Academy and Chipangayi Secondary School respectively.
In the semi -finals played the following day, Friday, it was the turn of Manzvire Secondary School to succumb to the sheer power of the trailblazers, ably led by Dellion Gwenzi in the midfield and the evergreen, Knocks ‘Salah’ Mlambo.
Rimbi won 3-0 to set a date with Chinyamukwakwa, which had got the better of Takwirira High in the dreaded penalties lottery after they finished the game nil-all.
The group games and semi- finals were played at Takwirira High School ground but, the finals were shifted to Greenfuel Sports Arena where Premiership debutants, GreenFuel FC are poised to play their first game in the elite league soon if the First Instance Board gives the club the green light.
For their efforts, Rimbi got a floating trophy and US$1 500 worth of sporting equipment of their choice.
Elated Rimbi coach, Walton Makusha, said: “I can’t believe that our hard work has led us to this sweet victory. I am really excited.’’
Their star player, Mlambo was named player of the tournament and also scooped the top goal scorer’s award.
He said: “I am delighted to have this accolade bestowed upon me. I hope to play for GreenFuel FC and the national team at some point.’’ Rimbi High School head, Regina Macheke, congratulated her sports director, coaches and players for their sterling efforts.
‘’It is amazing! When we heard about the tournament, the coach and his players practised six days a week and this is the sweet results of hard work. Congratulations to the Rimbi community, and I thank Greenfuel for the kind gesture,’’ she said.
The school’s SDC chairman, Kerant Maoneke was equally effusive in his praise of both the players and coaches for having picked the right time to shine for the school.
‘’You have been perfect ambassadors for the school. Keep it up,’’ he told everyone gathered there who was in a jolly mood.
The sponsors, represented by Merit Rumema, the Greenfuel’s public relations executive, said the tournament is meant to create local heroes and for the players scouted, the company will monitor their progress, with a view of incorporating them into the football structures of their Premiership outfit, GreenFuel FC.
‘’We want to harness talent in our communities. Fans are happy to watch a team with one of their local heroes,’’ she said.
Rumema promised a bigger and better tournament next year.
She said cheating should not be part of football following allegations of cheating which led to the suspension of one of the competing schools.
“We are delighted as GreenFuel Company to have successfully hosted this tournament. We hope cheating allegations should be a thing of the past in next year’s tournament. We are looking forward to a bigger and better competition next year when we have the second edition,’’ she said.
All participating teams were each given a soccer kit.
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