adminbeating Selonga Secondary School 1-0 in the final at Gifford High yesterday.
The only goal of the match came in the second half when the ball was released to Florence Kandarira who made one stride before her thunderbolt nestled into far corner of the nets to give Vainona the lead.
Vainona’s victory was made possible by the exploits of captain Sibonisiwe Sibanda, who was voted as the goalkeeper of the tournament, Doreen Chagwedera, Pamela Mapfumo, Thelma Sekete and Kandarira.
The two teams could not be separated in the first half as they were cautious, trying to avoid mistakes.
Vainona’s Sekete could not believe her eyes when her free-kick hit the upright post with Chiedza Moyo, in goals for Selonga, already sprawling on the ground.
Towards the end of the match, Matabeleland South’s representatives Selonga threw caution to the wind, firing from all cylinders but the Vainona defence remained resolute, thwarting all their raids.
Langton Kagwere, the Vainona coach, was thrilled at lifting the COPA Coca-Cola girls’ tournament.
Kagwere was happy with their preparations, which were made possible by the support of the school’s headmaster, other teachers and parents. The coach felt his tactics paid dividends as their game plan was “to hold our opponents and study their play before taking the game to them”.
Kagwere said there were two tough matches they played and believed were the turning point for Vainona to win the tournament.
He felt that the group game against Bindura’s Herman Gmeiner where they drew 0-0 and the semi-final tie against Rufaro where they came from behind to win in the penalty shoot-out toughened his team before yesterday’s final.
For winning the tournament, Vainona lifted the floating trophy and a US$1 500 cash prize.
Selonga went home with a small trophy and US$1 200 for their efforts, as they won admiration of the crowd despite the defeat. For coming third, Rufaro collected US$1 000 while Rukweza received US$500. The other eight teams took home US$300 each.
Kagwere’s comments were echoed by Vainona captain Sibanda who was overjoyed at guiding her team to glory at the inaugural girls’ soccer tournament.
Sibanda said it was an honour to be the leader of her school.
The Vainona captain heaped praise on her colleagues for their fighting spirit, commitment, self-belief and perseverance which resulted in this remarkable achievement at the tournament.
Sibanda felt the final against Selonga was tough but it needed a moment of sheer brilliance from Kandarira to score the superb winning goal.
For winning the tournament, Vainona lifted the floating trophy and a US$1 500 cash prize.
Selonga went home with a small trophy and US$1 200 for their efforts, as they won admiration of the crowd despite the defeat.
In the third place play-off, Masvingo’s representatives Rufaro Secondary School made amends for their defeat in the semi-finals when they walloped Rukweza from Manicaland 4-1.
Rufaro’s goals came from Charity Karuru (2), Fadzai Mavhiko and Tabeth Mutunami while Ethel Dangirwa scored Rukweza’s facesaver.
For coming third, Rufaro collected US$1 000 while Rukweza received US$500.
The other eight teams took to the podium to take home US$300 each.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter