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Descent Dube, Sports Reporter
INLINE Academy clinched the Thembalethu Southern Region Women’s Soccer League championship at Mandwandwe High School with after beating Highlanders Royals 2-1 on Saturday.

Royals took an early lead, threatening Inline’s championship hopes, but second half goals from Siphosenkosi Gumede and Sithabile Dlodlo propelled Inline to a memorable victory.

Inline’s last game is against second-placed Magwegwe Stars, who have been breathing heavily on their necks throughout the season.

Inline manager, Priscilla Ncube, said the players are excited, especially after winning all but one match.

“The performance was outstanding. We have 52 points and there is one game left against the runners up, whom we failed to beat in the first round.

The league is everything and the team was so good throughout. It was not realistic in the beginning, but we have done it,” said Ncube.

The league’s top goal scorer Peacemore Kanende, who has 20 goals, led Inline’s fine run with her consistence in front of goal.

Magwegwe Stars started the season strongly and kept up the pace, but ran out of steam, whilst Inline grew from strength to strength with each passing game.

At one point Magwegwe Stars were on top of the table with a superior goal difference, but slipped along the way.

Magwegwe Stars coach, Anele Nyathi, whose team’s average age is 15 years, said: “Last season we won the league, but the girls would have enjoyed winning it again. Our oldest player is 18 years old and that shows we have a bright future as a club.

“The drive, passion and will to one day play for the national team has made these young players compete to the last minute. Some of these youngsters even proposed double training sessions, which shows their dedication.”

Results

-Inline 2-1 Highlanders Royals,

-New Orleans 2-0 Byo Poly

-Magwegwe 2-1 Ubuntu

-Sobukazi 0-2 ZRP Bulawayo