Asher Moyo
Sports Reporter
CHECHECHE-Checheche’s crowning moment as 2023 National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) girls soccer under -14 champions might have come as a surprise to most outsiders but to keen followers of the game in Checheche, the girls have been doing wonders.
Last Friday, Ishmael Kumbayira, Checheche Primary School coach led the side to a memorable 2-0 win over Harare in the national finals held in the capital.
By virtue of being national champions, Checheche earned the right to represent Zimbabwe at the forthcoming Confederation of Schools Association of Southern Africa games in Lesotho.
Checheche won the ticket to represent Manicaland province and were in Pool A together with Harare,
Matebeleland South, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East.
The Manicaland giants lost their opening game to Harare by a goal to nil but fought fiercely and covincingly won the remaining three games against Matebeleland South, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East in pool A
Manicaland finished second on the log standing with nine points from four matches and a point behind log leaders Harare
The Ishmael Kumbayira coached side advanced to the semi finals as runners-up to Harare. They dismissed Midlands 2-0 before humiliating Harare in front of their roaring supporters by beating them by the same margin in the finals.
Captain Mirriam Gwenzi made sure that Manicaland representatives snatched the coveted trophy by providing a solid defence at the back.
Angeline Mapfumo, Munashe Macheza, Anotidaishe Zvinoira and Tanatswa Mtetwa were a marvel to watch. Goalkeeper Nomatter Simango made crucial saves to ensure a win for Manicaland.
Kumbayira was delighted and said his charges were rewarded for their hard work.
“I am so happy because we have won the National under 14 trophy. The matches were challenging but my players put in more than 100% effort to be crowned champions of Zimbabwe. Winning the National trophy in our first ever appearance in the finals is unbelievable,” he said.
“I thank my players for their hard work and resilience. Allow me to appreciate the support given to us by the supporters in Checheche , Chipinge and Manicaland Province as a whole and the school authorities,” said the gaffer.
