daniel chigunwe
Innocent Kurira in GWERU
ZPC HWANGE won the inaugural ZIFA Regions Champion of Champions tournament after a 2-1 victory over Triangle at Bata Stadium yesterday.
It was a tournament featuring champions from the four ZIFA Division One leagues.
Southern Region champions, ZPC Hwange, were quick off the blocks in the final with John Chinyerere opening the scoring two minutes into the game.
Eastern Region champions Triangle got one back immediately after with Menford Mudzimu converting from the penalty spot.
ZPC Hwange got their second in the 20th minute through Dingani Maphosa.
The second half saw ZPC Hwange survive several raids from Triangle but they held on to their lead.
On their way to the final, ZPC Hwange stunned Scottland 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals.
Luke Masomere’s Triangle also needed a penalty shootout victory to book a place in the final after pipping Kwekwe United 5-3.
The two teams had also played to a 1-1 draw in regulation.
Kwekwe United won 3-1 against Scottland in the third place play off yesterday.
ZPC Hwange coach, Mabelo Njekwa, was delighted with the victory.
“I think we had an edge over other teams in terms of fitness and endurance and we used it to our advantage and we are happy to have won this competition,” said Njekwa.
Masomere said the tournament was a good test for his team ahead of their Premier Soccer League participation next year.
“We really wanted to win this competition, but we could not convert the chances we created and we paid for it,” said Masomere.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter