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Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
AN exhibition of untapped grassroots talent was laid bare in Dete when Zifa Mat North Division Three Iganyana League sides Zebras and Rockrabbits clashed in a Heroes’ Day final at Ngotsheni ground.

Zebras beat Rockrabbits 2-1 to lift the 16-team annual tournament sponsored by United Kingdom-based Jane Bubear Sports Foundation. Prince Tshuma (16) netted a brace for Zebras, while Thulani Ncube was on target for Rockrabbits.

Tshuma also emerged as the tournament’s top goal scorer with four goals.

In the third and fourth place play-off, Maganyana beat Chapungu 5-4 on penalties.

The league’s chairman Dominic Nyathi paid tribute to the sponsors.

“We are proud to be in a partnership with the foundation from 2008. They came down as tourists with a passion for sports development and highlighted that their passion was to see sport unite communities,” said Nyathi.

“Their generous sponsorship of around $7 000 every year includes warm up shirts for all teams, 16 pairs of soccer boots for each of the top eight teams, a full uniform for the top four teams, and a trophy and medals for the champions, while the losing finalists also receive medals.”

The league contributed three teams to the Zifa Mat North Division 2A League, Hotspurs Leopards, who lie second on the log, Iwisa Sparrows and Shumba.

Nekatambe Cheetahs presently lead the Iganyana League with 33 points from 14 games, while Sables are second with 26 points.

@tobymandox