Martin Muleya
Mutare Boys’ High School emerged provincial winners of the National Association of School Heads (NASH) U20 boys soccer tournament held today at Devuli High school at Birchnough Bridge.
The two-day tournament brought together eight of Manicaland’s top school sides; St. Matthias, Mhakwe, St. Faith’s, Murambinda B, Mt. Selinda, Mt. Carmel, Nyamauru, Mutare Boys’ High and hosts Devuli.
Known in football circles as the Shumbas, MBHS started steadily before hitting top gear. They opened with a 0-0 draw against Devuli, then edged Nyamauru 1-0 to stay alive in the group.
The turning point came in the quarter-finals where MBHS dismantled St. Faith’s 3-0 booking a semi-final place. In a tight last-four clash, the Shumbas showed character to dismiss a determined St. Matthias 3-2 and set up a date with Mt. Selinda in the final.
Mt. Selinda also had to fight for their place. They drew 1-1 with Murambinda B in the quarter-finals before winning 4-3 on penalties. The eastern border school then knocked out hosts Devuli 1-0 in regulation time in the semi-finals to reach the decider.
The final, however belonged to Mutare Boys’ High School. The Shumbas produced their best performance of the tournament, controlling possession and cutting through Mt. Selinda’s defence to claim a convincing win of 3-2 on penalties having drew 1-1 on regulation time.
With the provincial title secured MBHS will now represent Manicaland at the national finals set for September.
The tournament also honored standout performers LeeRoy Mlambo of Mt. Selinda was named the player of the tournament receiving a trophy and medal. Talent Mutemachani (St. Matthias) received a trophy and medal while Onai Tutani (MBHS) also received a trophy and medal.
