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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs Football Club, who wrote their piece of history by lifting their first major trophy, the Chibuku Super Cup in their third season in the topflight have thanked fans for their support against Herentals.
Amakhosi Amahle edged the Students 1-0 courtesy of a well-struck 38th minute goal by diminutive midfielder Arthur “Diego” Musiyiwa at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday. Musiyiwa hit the beauty from outside the box to beat a diving Takudzwa Chikosi.
It was a goal worth winning the game and as the ball left his boot, Musiyiwa must have known that it was headed for the net as it tucked into the bottom corner.
Chiefs, promoted into the Premiership in 2018 join FC Platinum, Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Stars, Triangle United and Highlanders on the list of winners of the country’s most prestigious club knockout competition that headlined yesteryear football calendars and was re-introduced to the topflight in 2014.
On their way to lifting the Chibuku Super Cup, Chiefs knocked out ZPC Kariba in the first round and too care of Highlanders, the 2019 champions in the quarter-finals by identical 1-0 score lines. They went on to dehorn Black Rhinos 5-4 after penalty shootouts in the semi-finals having played to a 0-0 in regulation time to set up a Herentals final.
Chiefs captain Malvin Mkolo said they will cherish the victory for long.
“Winning the Chibuku Super Cup is a big achievement for some of us who’ve never won any silverware in the PSL. It’s history for the team and we couldn’t have done this without the fans who came in their numbers to rally behind us. On behalf of the players, I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who came to support us,” said Mkolo.
Seasoned utility player Kelvin Madzongwe, one of the three Chiefs players who have bagged two Chibuku Super Cup winners’ medals said they were pleased with the way the fans turned up at Barbourfields Stadium. About 5 500 people paid their way to witness the final.
Madzongwe, who won his first Chibuku Super Cup with FC Platinum last year led pre-match calls for support alongside the Moyo twins, Kevin and Elvis who won the tournament in 2014 while at FC Platinum.
“I think it’s probably the most heavenly way to end a season of so many lows. It’s been a difficult season for us as a whole because of off-field issues going on at the club. So, the victory means everything to everyone involved with the club. We made history yesterday.
“The support the City of Kings and Queens gave us was immense. They made the biggest difference yesterday especially in the second half when Herentals were dominating the game. They rallied, they whistled, they cheered and it was huge for us because it kept us going.
Therefore, I want to extend my gratitude to them for the support they afforded us, yesterday’s victory wouldn’t have been possible without them. Siyabonga kakhulu Mthwakazi omuhle,” said Madzongwe.
Chiefs media officer, Thulani Javas Sibanda said: “We are very much humbled and overwhelmed by the love and support we received yesterday from the football lovers across the city. The turnout was deserving nothing less than a victory and we are happy and relieved that we delivered. We thank the fans that came to the stadium. This trophy is for them sithi danki siyabonga.” — @ZililoR
Online Reporter