Online Reporter
THE Communications League of Zimbabwe (CLOZ) successfully held its 2025 WAFA WAFA Tournament at Alex Sports Club on Saturday.
The event was a true celebration of local talent and community spirit, bringing together people from all walks of life in a vibrant display of passion and camaraderie.
The air was filled with the sounds of vuvuzelas, the ringing of bells, and a spectrum of emotions ranging from pure joy to the agony of defeat.
The tournament’s knockout stages were designed for maximum excitement, with twelve top teams battling it out in four groups of three, knowing that only the winner of each group would advance to the semi-finals.
These semi-finals proved to be intense knockout affairs, setting the stage for a memorable final.
Fantracker FC showcased their consistent form, battling past Dairibord FC with a 2-0 victory in their semi-final.
Their path to the final also included a strong Stage 2 group performance where they defeated reigning champions Dandaro 2-0 and secured a 3-1 win against Best Paints to top their group.
On the other side of the bracket, Falcon FC navigated a tough semi-final against current log leaders Tendo FC, a match that ended 0-0 before Falcon clinched it 10-9 in a thrilling penalty shootout.
The grand final itself was a nail-biting affair, ending 0-0, pushing the contest into the dreaded penalty shootout.
In a dramatic finish, Falcon FC emerged victorious, triumphing 5-4 on penalties over a resilient Fantracker side.
This win marked a historic moment for Falcon FC, as they lifted their first trophy in the Communications League of Zimbabwe since their inception in 2021, shedding their “bridesmaids” tag.
Individual brilliance illuminated the tournament.
Fantracker FC’s gangly central defender, Kelvin Saulos, was deservedly crowned the Player of the Tournament.
His consistent solid defensive performances were pivotal in his team’s journey to the final, earning him recognition as the most outstanding player.
Falcon FC’s young goalkeeper, Benson Gonese, earned the prestigious Golden Glove award.
His remarkable record of conceding only once in six matches, coupled with his nerves of steel in saving crucial penalties in both the semi-final and final, highlighted his exceptional talent. Adding to the accolades, Tawanda “Finger” Nyamandwe claimed the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, a testament to his prolific finishing.
The success of the 2025 WAFA WAFA Tournament was also made possible by the generous partnership of ETM Sports, who sponsored the trophies and medals, including the winners’ trophy, Player of the Tournament, Golden Boot, and Golden Glove.
ETM Sports added excitement by providing three match balls for the final, with two for the finalists and one for any player scoring a hat-trick.
The tournament served as a vibrant showcase of the growing talent and competitive spirit within the Communications League of Zimbabwe. With new champions crowned and stars identified, the future of local football looks incredibly bright.
