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Innocent Kurira, [email protected] 

Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 Chicken Inn 

Chiefs won 5-3 on penalties 

IT was a dull affair until Chicken Inn decided to introduce 15-year-old Awakhiwe Tshabile.

That was the moment the capacity crowd rose to the occasion.

They cheered and sang for the youngster.

His introduction even drew a standing ovation from Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube who watched the game from the VIP section.

Tshabile was given the captain’s arm band when he came on and the crowd went wild.

The skilful winger had a life-changing campaign in the Cosafa Schools Under-15 tournament which was held at Gateway High School in Harare late last year.

He played as a starter in most parts of the tournament in which the young stars finished in third place after defeating Namibia in the third place match.

The Mpopoma High School student said his dream is to play for the biggest club in England.

Yesterday, he had a few touches of brilliance, of course being spurred on by the crowd but his introduction spiced up the game.

Chicken Inn ended the day as runners-up as they lost the game via the penalty lottery.

The two teams had played to a goalless draw in regulation time.

Bulawayo Chiefs converted all their spot-kicks, taken by Clement Makamba, Jackson Masadza, Bukhosi Sibanda, Cephas Musikavanhu and Panashe Shoko.

Brendon Mpofu skied his effort for Chicken Inn while Malvin Hwata, Leroy Ndlovu and Tadiwa Chibunyu were on target for the Gamecocks. 

Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda was pleased after the victory.

“This is an important event as we were celebrating this country’s Independence Day. It’s a special occasion and it feels good to have won such a game. We are grateful to the Government of Zimbabwe for giving us this opportunity. We pray that we continue to be selected to play in such tournaments,” said Sibanda.

Chicken Inn had the first real chance of the game through Genius Mutangamiri who saw his flashing header go wide after a cross from the left. 

Clear-cut chances from the two teams were rare as action was more in midfield than in attack. 

-@innocentskizoe