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Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter

BULAWAYO Chiefs, yes the Twitter Kings, deservedly clinched the 2022 Chibuku Super Cup when they edged Herentals in an exciting final tie that according to Chiefs Metrics App had a total of 436 completed passes.

Chiefs won the match 1-0 courtesy of an Arthur “Diego” Musiyiwa beautiful strike in the 38th minute from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Bulawayo Chiefs Clinch Chibuku Super Cup-Arthur Musiyiwa

The two sides were playing in the final for the first time since joining Zimbabwe’s top-flight football in 2018.

Amakhosi Amahle bossed the Students from the first whistle in an exciting duel that saw the former successfully thread a total of 234 passes, intercepting 36 from their opponents.

The Bulawayo Chiefs Metrics App further suggested that Herentals completed 197 passes in the process managing to intercept Chiefs’s raids 37 times in a match that the new Chibuku Super Cup champions enjoyed 54,82 percent ball possession while the runners up had 45,18 percent.

After the first half, Chiefs had made 174 complete passes and their opponents were on 68.

It was a grand finale played at a packed Barbourfields Stadium where 31 fouls were committed with the Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda mentored Chiefs committing 16 while Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa’s were found on the wrong side of the football rules 15 times.

It was a match that had no red cards with Bulawayo Chiefs players picking two cautions (Hughe Chikosa and Felix Moyo) while Herentals had one (Luke Ruguchu).

The low scoring match produced seven shots on target and the same number off target. They were three off sides by Bulawayo Chiefs, zero from Herentals and three corner kicks apiece from the two outfits.

Chiefs goal minder David Bizabani made two clear cut saves while his opposite number from Herentals, Takudzwa Chikosi denied Chiefs five times.

The Students made five substitutions as they introduced Tafadzwa Jim for Tinotenda Beza and Daison Marowa for Innocent Benza. Blessing Majarira, John Zhhuwawo and Prince Chama made way for Denzel Chimwemwe, Archmore Majarira and Avi Mataranyika respectively.

Bulawayo Chiefs Clinch Chibuku Super Cup

Chiefs made four changes by introducing Malvin Mkolo for hard running Farau Matare and Chikosa for Billy Veremu. Goal scorer Musiyiwa paved the way for Ben Nyahunzvi towards the end.

For clinching the cup, Bulawayo Chiefs walked away US$75 000 richer while Herentals pocketed U$50 000. The teams will however be paid in local currency at the prevailing official rate.

A respectable crowd, projected at over 5 500, came to watch the final and the fans were not disappointed with the carnival atmosphere befitting a cup final — @FungaiMuderere