adminMehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
ROBERT Tredgold Primary School from Bulawayo are this year’s champions of the Ingwebu Breweries Inter-Primary Schools Soccer competition after a 2-1 triumph over Malunku of Lupane in the grand final played at Jotsholo Grounds in Jotsholo last Friday.The tournament is competed for by schools from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North provinces.
A brace from Garthell Green, one goal in open play and the other from the penalty spot won it for the Bulawayo school who are coached by former Highlanders striker Tobias Mudyambanje. Malunku, with most of the support from the crowd since they were the home team, got their only goal from Ntobeko Ngwenya.
Green gave Robert Tredgold the lead just before the break with a stunning free kick from just outside the box which nestled into the nets. Ngwenya equalised for Malunku after the break with an equally spectacular goal from near the centre circle, his brilliant left footer finding its way into the net.
With the match seemingly headed for penalties, Robert Tredgold were awarded a penalty when their player was brought down in the box, resulting in the Malunku defender who committed the foul being sent off by Bulawayo based referee Thembinkosi Sibanda. Green stepped up to convert the penalty which sealed the win for his school.
On their way to the final, Robert Tredgold, the Bulawayo champions in the competition saw off Matabeleland South winners and pre-tournament favourites Butshe 1-0 in the semi-finals while Malunku, the Matabeleland North winners of the tournament also recorded a 1-0 win over their provincial runners up Lortondale in the last four.
Butshe conquered Lortondale 1-0 in a third place play off to claim third spot in the tournament.
Robert Tredgold took home a trophy, gold medals and a cash prize of US$2 500 which brought their pickings from this year’s competition to $3 700 following the $1 200 they won as Bulawayo champions, Malunku got silver medals and $2 000, Butshe were given $1 500 and bronze medals with Lortondale pocketing $1 200. In the inaugural girls final, Gampu of Bulawayo defeated Tobwe of Binga 2-1 in sudden death penalty shootouts after the two teams had been deadlocked 0-0 in normal time.
Third place in the girls section went to Maphani who beat Ulutho.
Gampu walked away with $250, Tobwe $200 while Maphani and Ulutho got $100 each. Ingwebu Breweries have promised a full sponsorship package for the girls next year.
Guest of honour at the finals, Chief Mabhikwa presented the teams with their accolades together with Ingwebu Breweries general manager Nkosana Prince Ndlovu.
Other high profile personalities present at the occasion were Members of Parliament from the district, Martin Khumalo of Lupane West and Sithembile Gumbo of Lupane East.
Online Reporter