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Nkanyiso Bhebhe

Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
NEW Orleans beat Borrow Jets 3-2 after a penalty shootout to claim the 2016 Thembalethu Foundation women’s soccer tournament in the final played at Raylton yesterday.

The match had ended goalless in regulation time and it took conversions by Rebecca Mandaza, Nobukhosi Mabe and Samkelisiwe Ndlovu to secure victory for New Orleans. Privilege Moyo and Nomusa Moyo converted Borrow Jets’ spot kicks.

Highlanders Royals thrashed Street Set 5-0 in the third place play-off.

For their efforts, New Orleans walked away with a trophy and brand new kit, while Borrow Jets, Highlanders Royals and Street Set received a new kit each imported from the United Kingdom.

New Orleans’ Nobukhosi Ncube was named Player of the Tournament and Chantelle Ncube from Street Set was Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

The Top Goal Scorer accolade jointly went to Rebecca Mandaza from New Orleans and Highlanders Royals’ Zibusiso Ndlela who netted five goals each.

Borrow Jets’ Sicelo Ncube scooped the Goal of the Tournament award for her goal against Highlanders Royals.

Irene Ngwenya from Sobukhazi and Dinah Banda from Highlanders Royals were named the tournament’s most outstanding players.

New Orleans club director Nkanyiso Bhebhe said he was excited by their victory.

“The match was tough because Borrow Jets had veteran players like Nomsa Moyo and Tonderai Masango so I assigned my players to keep an eye on them and I guess that worked in our favour. We fielded young girls for grooming purposes and they did their best. I guess in future they will be much stronger. Overall, I think it was a blessing for Thembalethu to host this competition, as they came at a time we have been looking for sponsorship (for women’s football),” said Bhebhe.

Borrow Jets coach Thembelani Dliwayo believes his side lacked the energy for the final.

“I’m a bit disappointed with the loss because the girls lost steam in the second half and failed to make good use of their chances. We were not that offensive, which I believe really cost us the match. We hope we will be able to work on that for future competitions,” Dliwayo said.

Southern Region Women’s Football League chairman Takundwa Chimundiya expressed gratitude to the sponsors.

“I would like to commend our sponsors for their vision and their festive spirit of giving, but most importantly, the contribution to the development of the girl child through football. The role of our sponsors in mobilising resources and focusing on our football in the region cannot be over emphasised,” said Chimundiya.

“This initiative will go a long way towards the development of women’s football in the region. We hope such competitions will help nurture young talent and help young footballers pursue their soccer passion.”

— @khumzallen