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Rutendo Makore is congratulated by Minister Makhosini Hlongwane after receiving the top goalscorer award as
Cosafa and Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa looks on

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE curtain came down on the Cosafa Women’s Championship yesterday, with South Africa being crowned champions after beating Zimbabwe 2-1 at Barbourfields Stadium.

Hosts Zimbabwe’s consolation was in claiming two individual prizes for top goal scorer and best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Mighty Warriors’ striker Rutendo Makore scooped the top goal scorer gong after banging in nine goals, while keeper Chido Dzingirai was named goalkeeper of the tournament.

Makore said: “I am very happy with my performance in this tournament. My dream was to become top scorer in this tournament and I managed to do that.

I would like to thank the fans and my teammates. I would not have achieved this without them. It is sad that we did not win the tournament, but that is football. We just have to focus on our next assignments.”

Dzingirai, who conceded six goals said: “It is sad that we did not win the tournament and would like to apologise to Zimbabwe for that. However, I am happy with the fighting spirit we showed as a team. I have never been named the best goalkeeper at a tournament, so this is something that l will forever cherish.”

Menacing South African winger Chrestinah Kgatlana was named player of the tournament following scintillating performances in all the matches she played.

“I am very delighted to be player of the tournament in addition to winning the tournament. It was a very tough competition and more so a tough final. Zimbabwe is a very good side and their striker Rutendo Makore is a very good player so we are happy with what we have achieved,” said Kgatlana.