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Chipo Sabeta in Gwanda
RUJEKO High School of Glendale in Mashonaland Central and Chidyamakono High of Masvingo are the national winners of this year’s edition of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys’ and Under-17 girls’ competition respectively.

Rujeko, who lost to Dewure in the 2015 final, won the boys’ final match 4-1 in a penalty shootout against Chinhoyi High following a goalless draw in regulation time at Gwanda’s Phelandaba Stadium yesterday.

Chidyamakono retained the girls’ title for a record fourth time.

Brendon Mushore, McLean Chibabvu, Nelson Nyanhanira and Rangarirai Dzawo converted their spot kicks for Rujeko to walk away with the $5 400 proze money, a trophy and full kit.

Rujeko coach Hardware Chatora said it was a matter of making corrections from their 2015 tournament.

“When I asked them who wanted to take penalties, everyone raised his hand. I then used my own discretion considering their strengths and weaknesses, but they were confident,” said Chatora.

“We have been preparing for such things and I am glad that we managed to win through penalties. We also never conceded throughout the tournament. Last year, we lost through penalties because my boys were not prepared. Even my goalkeeper had no idea of what was going on. It took him by surprise and we lost to Dewure.

“I think it’s a great stride as we strive to fight for honours in our region. These guys have been doing well. It took so much work with these youngsters. These are mere students and not professionals and such an achievement is humbling to the school and province as a whole.”

Chinhoyi coach Wycliff Hardwork believes they lost the plot by letting the match go into penalty shootouts, but praised his side for reaching the final where they pocketed $3 000.

“I’m sad. We should have killed the match in regulation time. When we let the match spill into the penalty shootout, I knew it was out of our control. We had beaten Dewure through penalties in the semi-finals and we knew we were not going to be lucky again. But I am happy with our achievement. We never thought we would reach this far considering the competition we faced in the group stages,” Hardwork said.

In the girls’ final, it took Nellia Mushede’s second half free kick for Chidyamakono to beat a spirited Magwegwe High to win $3 200, a floating trophy and full kit.

Magwegwe walked away with $2 000.

Chidyamakono coach Yeukai Chiruvu was thrilled with her side’s performance despite a slow start in the group stages.

“I think experience counts considering that we have reached this level for the past four years and managed to win it. This time it was a bit tricky because we started slow. Our results were not good, but the girls didn’t give up. Upon reaching the final, we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task against Magwegwe. I salute the girls for their fighting spirit and fellow teachers and the school head for their unwavering support,” Chiruvu said.

Girls’ awards

Fair play: Mabelreign Girls High

Player of the tourney: Buhlebenkosi Zulu (Magwegwe)

Best defender: Daphne Ndambakuwa ( Chidyamakono)

Best goalkeeper: Nyaradzo Chifamba (Chidyamakono) Top goal scorer: Tariro Masewe and Neria Mashede (both Chidyamakono)

Best Midfielder: Munyaradzi Matore, Buhlebenkosi Zulu (Magwegwe)

Best coach: Yeukai Chiruvu (Chidyamakono)

Boys’ awards

Fair Play: Sobukhazi High

Player of the tourney & Best defender: Panashe Mapuranga (Chinhoyi)

Best goalkeeper: Tafadzwa Mujuru (Chinhoyi)

Top goal scorer: Munyaradzi Matore (Dewure) and Tafara Neruwanda (Chinhoyi)

Best Midfielder: Munyaradzi Matore

Best coach: Hardware Chitora

Dream team girls

Nyaradzo Chifamba, Daphne Ndamakuwa, Ruramai Cheteni, Thelma Taruvinga (Chidyamakono), Buhlebenkhosi Zulu, Sehlule Moyo, Mitchele Joseph, Nothando Mthunzi, Nozinhle Sibanda (Magwegwe), Tanaka Zinjani (Mabelreign), Maud Mafuruse, Gladys Mazake( Nyamauru), Perfect Furau, Panashe Buta (Vimbai), Precious Baison , Nosta Arufasu (Chipadze), Paidamoyo Marufu (Gotora), Nomvula Tshuma (Thekwane).

Dream team boys

Lee Runodamoto, Edward Machinja, Munyaradzi Matore, Munashi Mal (Dewure) Mzingaye Sibanda (Mzingwane), Weickson Nyoni (Tohwe), Gideon Desmond, Maclean Chibabvu, Malvin Magwase (Rujeko), Tafadzwa Masamba, Ronald Master, Kelvin Chiremba (Chemhanza), Matripples Muleya (Sobukhazi), Washington Nkomo (Gwanda), Munashe Pini (Churchill)