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Ricky Zililo in Plumtree
SABIWA Secondary School from Gwanda North thrashed former champions Mzingwane High 3-0 in the Copa Coca-Cola Matabeleland South final at Dombodema High yesterday.

Goals by Martin Mabasa, Michael Dube and Prince Ncube propelled Sabiwa into their first ever Copa Coca-Cola national finals.

“I’m happy we made it to the national finals and the boys gave their best. It wasn’t easy competing with former champions Mzingwane. We really worked hard and I must give credit to our striker Smile Ndebele for leading the team even though he didn’t score,” said Sabiwa coach Sifelani Makare.

On their way to the final, Sabiwa, who were making their debut provincial finals, drew all their group games against Thokozani and pre-tournament favourites, Plumtree High.

Sabiwa went on to knockout Zenzele 3-2 after penalty shootouts in the semi-finals after drawing 0-0 in regulation time.

Mzingwane qualified for the semi-finals after winning Group C.

Mzingwane gaffer, Beke Mavundla, conceded defeat and wished Sabiwa good luck at the national finals.

“We enjoyed the games and changing to the Under-15 format from Under-16 affected lots of teams. We lost to a better team and wish them well,” said Mavundla.

Results

Group A: St Mary’s 1-0 Dombodema, Ntepe 0-2 St Mary’s, Ntepe 1-0 Dombodema

Group B: Sabiwa 0-0 Thokozani, Sabiwa 1-1 Plumtree, Plumtree 0-0 Thokozani

Group C: Zenzele 3-0 Matopo, Mzingwane 3-1 Zenzele, Mzingwane 0-0 Matopo

Semi-finals: Sabiwa 0-0 Zenzele (Sabiwa won 2-0 after penalties)

Mzingwane 0-0 St Mary’s (Mzingwane won 6-5 after penalties)

Final: Mzingwane 0-3 Sabiwa