Fredrick Moyo
Northern region division 1 soccer league top scorer Tinashe Balakasi dampened Masvingo United’s spirited performance as the Shamva-based side Simba Bora FC lifted 2022 Uhuru trophy in a thrilling soccer match played in Masvingo.
In a match played before an almost full house at Mucheke stadium on April 18, the free scoring Balakasi punished the hosts mid-way after the break to pocket the US $1000 prize money while the losing finalists got US$ 500. The match lived up to its billing as both sides displayed a mastery of deft touches and skills though the first half failed to yield any score despite both teams threatening.
Una Una put up a spirited performance with stand- in Captain Benedict ‘Kaka’ Bere dictating pace in the midfield but when they threatened before the interval, no much goal-mouth action was witnessed.
Balakasi threatened the hosts with his pace and runs which kept the Masvingo United rearguard (that was missing captain Admire Dhumbe to injury) on their feet as they contained the fiery, looming figure and thus kept him at bay.
Also missing for Masvingo United due to injury was industrious and hardworking forward Washington Ncube.
Then came the moment midway in the second half when, free scoring Balakasi broke the deadlock justifying why he is poised to take the golden boot in the competitive Northern region league.
Despite falling to the strike, Masvingo remained determined to reverse the score line, but unfortunately Simba held on to the final whistle.
The eventual winners boast of experience in the squad with former premiership and Caps United veterans Hardlife Zvirekwi and Reuben Machaya among their ranks.
The community-owned Masvingo United justified with their performance why they are in third position on the log standings in the Eastern region as they matched their flamboyant opponents bankrolled by gold traders.
Masvingo United coach Heydays Mugeji said he was happy with the recognition his team was given by invitation to participate in the cup.
“Unfortunately our team lost, but the team played very well. As Masvingo United coaches we are happy with the invitation that gave our team the opportunity to showcase the talent at disposal in the province as our boys played the game. Just being recognized to take part at national events is important.
“We just wish they could intervene to help the team with resources to help nurture the talent that lies abundant in the team. Our youthful team needs a sponsorship package,” said Mugeji.
However his Simba Bhora FC counterpart Arthur Tutani expressed gratification on the invitation to participate in the cup game and at the same time praised Masvingo United for a spirited performance.
“I want to thank Masvingo province firstly for inviting us to play in the challenge cup. At the same time I want to say well done to our opponents as they played well. Had they taken their chances, who knows, they might have won the cup. As Simba Bhora we were lucky that we created one good chance and we buried it,” said Tutani.
Bankrolling the cup, Zanu PF aspiring Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament James Pande said he wishes to do more for the youthful generation to engage in various sporting activities as well as projects.
“We wish to do more for our young people because if you engage young people, there is need to ensure they engage in sport and other projects. The level of play shown by both teams Simba Bhora and Masvingo United, is pleasing and they need funding so that they scale to greater heights,” said Pande.
