Chidyamakono team celebrate after winning
. . . 3 teams make it to the semis
. . . Chidyamakono lifts girls’ trophy for record 5th time
Sports Reporter
BINDURA – Masvingo has got talent! Chidyamakono has proven that no other province has more talent than Masvingo after the Chivi-based school scooped the U15 Girls COPA Coca-Cola trophy for the fifth time in a row, while two other teams from the ancient city made it to the semi-finals.
Chidyamakono dismissed hapless Mamunyadza from Manicaland by a goal to nil in the finals to clinch the most prestigious schools trophy at Trojan Mine Stadium in Bindura on Sunday.
In the boys’ category, Gutu High put up a spirited performance and booked their ticket in the semi-finals after holding defending champions Rujeko and Midlands kings, Guinea Fowl, in the group stages.
The boys however lost concentration and conceded a silly goal in the dying minutes of the game to allow Pfupajena to proceed to the finals where they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat in penalties to 10 men Rusununguko High.
Rusunguko and Pfupajena had settled for a one-all draw in regulation time.
Though Gutu High were knocked-out in the semi-finals, Innocent Nyamadyiwa was too good to be ignored, winning the best midfielder of the tournament award as well as making it into the national dream team. Nyamadyiwa received US$100 cash for the award.
The skillful and naturally talented Gidza, as he is popularly known by fellow teammates, also attracted a number of coaches who jostled to offer him a full scholarship.
“I’m disappointed that we failed to reach to the finals; we were punished for complacency in the semi-finals. A number of coaches have approached me and they are offering scholarships but my focus now is to go back and start preparing for next year with my teammates,” said Nyamadyiwa.
It was an all-Masvingo affair in one of the semis when Chidyamakono clashed with Mwenezi High with the later succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in penalty shoot-outs after a nil-all draw in regulation time.
Mwenezi however scooped bronze medals after dismissing Vainona in the third and fourth playoffs.
National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) head in-charge (soccer) Tranos Mbwirire said Masvingo proved that it is the schools soccer powerhouse in the country.
“Having three teams in the semi-finals out of ten provinces is enough evidence that we have a lot of talent. Chidyamakono also proved that no team from any other province can match their talent as they lifted the title for the fifth time,” said Mbwirire.
Chidyamakono coach Kundai Muruvi said she was impressed by the girls’ performance.
“It’s easy to win a tournament but never easy to defend the title. We have been successfully defending this title for the past four years and that proves how good we are. We were determined to win the trophy for the fifth time and I am happy the girls did us proud. Our focus now is on defending the title again next year,” said Muruvi.
For the grand prize, Chidyamakono received US$3 500, a trophy and gold medals while Mwenezi High got bronze medals and a cash prize.sport
