Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
SHOOTING Stars, the team which Highlanders striker Prince Dube turned out for during his days at Somvubu High School last Tuesday successfully defended their title at the Inyathi New Year’s Day football tournament played at Badala Business Centre.
In a well attended final, which saw hundreds come out to watch, a first half goal by Wilfred Jimu was enough for Shooting Stars to overcome Inyathi Rovers 1-0 and retain the trophy they won last year. Rovers tried their best to find the equaliser and forced the match into penalties but Shooting Stars captain Doubt Moyo was at his best in goals, with an acrobatic save to deny the opponents a goal.
To make it to the final, Shooting Stars defeated Bubi 3-2 in the first semi-final while the second last-four encounter between Rovers and last year’s beaten finalists Black Swallows concluded 0-0, with the former winning 2-0 on penalties.
Shooting Stars walked away with a full football uniform, trophy, soccer ball, gold medals and a monetary reward. Rovers took home a cash prize and silver medals and a soccer ball. Bubi and Rovers also got financial incentives and a soccer ball each.
The annual tournament, now in its sixth year, is bankrolled by the Moyo brothers, Khumbulani and Mphilisi who put in total sponsorship of $2 500. Khumbulani, the Highlanders South Africa Supporters Chapter secretary general owns a construction firm in South Africa while Mphilisi runs a cross border transport company.
@Mdawini_29
Online Reporter