Branton Matondo
TelOne gaffer Tendai Chikuni proved too good for Clemence Zuze as the telecom boys triumphed over a veteran spinned Chapungu side in a cup match dubbed Iyawozve played at Ascot stadium last week.
The initial fixture was that Sheasham who finished tops in the league play runners up TelOne but the former had to decline the invitation due unconfirmed reasons.
Vumbachikwe, who finished third had a chance to fill the vacant position but after deliberation on regrouping expenses and exercises by the pay masters, the Gatsi Mukombwe coached mining based outfit were forced to pull out.
Chapungu filled the vacant position after the army side finished fourth on the log standing.
The tournament was first of its kind in the region and sponsored by The Zingwe Brothers who are well known in Gweru.
Two goals that set the two Gweru teams apart came courtesy of former Zpc Kariba topman Blessing Sibanda and former Zpc Munyati, Chapungu and Ngezi Platinum striker Blessing ‘Odega’ Sahondo in the second half.
Sahondo who was top goal scorer of the just ended 2022 Central region season with 16 goals averaging a goal per 146 minutes.
The former Fc Platinum Under 19 winger who had to come from the bench to rule the Ascot roost was delighted with the victory and said his objective is always to better his efforts in a career that has already spanned for seven years.
“I started on the bench. It was the coach’s plan and then I came in second half. I scored coming from the bench and then Blessing scored again to make it two. This is a memorable moment, one that will push me to aim high,” he said.
While commenting on his league exploits, Odega said his objective is not to compete with other players but to focus on his abilities and where he can improve.
“I am proud to be the top goal scorer of Central region but my aim is not to compete with anyone but to be better than I was yesterday,” added Sahondo.
Chapungu failed to avenge their 1 nil loss to TelOne in a league fixture that was also played at Ascot stadium.
An attempt to contact Chapungu head coach Clemence Zuze was fruitless as his cell was unreachable until time of writing.
Iyawoze representative Blessed Zingwe assured Central region fans that Iyawozve is just beginning and more is to be expected. He detailed on the true origin of the word Iyawozve and why it is suits generis.
“The name Iyawozve is a brand name for the director Blessed Zingwe who also happens to be a musical artist. The name originated from our mother who would always say Iyawozve if something startles her. Gweru has never had such a cup before,” said Zingwe.
He added that the sponsorship is going to stay as more is expected in this bubble of giving back to the community.
“Iyawozve cup is there to stay and it will grow bigger than this. The support we got was overwhelming and has electrified Blessed Zingwe and crew to even improve the sponsorship. The Zingwes were born and bred in Gweru, so we need to plough back to the community,” he added.
Despite the stellar display of sporting community investment by the Zingwe Brothers, football fanatics in the Central Region which spans from Kwekwe to Beitbridge still lament lack of cup games.
One football fanatic identified as John Sambati from Gweru said now is the time that Central Region brings tournaments and cup games on the table.
“Central Region top brass is disappointing us. The love that we have for the game has to be complemented by cup games and that is what we expect,” said Sambati.
Another soccer fan from the mining town of Kwekwe said cup games are good sources of game time adding that Central region should replicate what is happening in the Northern region.
“Yes, Central region has few teams but that does not give men at Central region offices in Gweru room to abandon the idea of cup games. Let’s pluck a leaf from Northern region. By doing so we can add some energy to our league and maximize game time to other players,” he said.
