adminCurtworth Masango
He led his side to a 5-4 win, on penalties, over the Dynamos juniors in a ZIFA Harare Province Open Gold trophy final at Belgravia Sports Club on Saturday.
The match ended in a goalless draw in regulation time.
“It’s a big morale booster for our development,” he said.
“We are not worried much about winning, but about the development of these players.
“We have been crying for sponsorship all these years.
“If enough funds are channeled towards football development then we are certain football won’t die.”
Dynamos juniors coach, Norman Taruvinga, said it was a good game despite ending on the losing side.
“Penalties are always a hard way to lose games. “It’s part of the game, but our wish is always to kill off the game in 90 minutes and it didn’t happen today.
“Sponsorship is very important for us. It motivates the players a lot.
“They play with more determination knowing there is something real at stake.
“It also allows them to believe that there is life in football, and that it can be taken as a career.”
Open Gold managing director, Vincent Chawonza, said he was amazed by the talent exhibited in the final.
“The future of our football as a country is very bright looking at the talent we have.
“We are going to be part of this every season.
“As a company, which is growing, this is going to be a traditional cup we are going to be sponsoring.
“We have seen our boys neglected by sponsors most probably because of the hype, but we have dedicated ourselves to concentrate on junior football,” he said.
The cup final was almost abandoned as there were no funds to bankroll it before ZIFA Harare Province got sponsorship from Open Gold.
The match was watched by different football stakeholders, including coaches, scouts, current and former PSL players.
Online Reporter