Asher Moyo
CHIPINGE -Matione and Checheche Primary Schools from Chipinge will represent Manicaland Province in the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) under -14 soccer national finals on July 26-27 in Harare.
Both schools dominated the provincial finals which were held last week in Mutare.
Matione which is representing the province for the second time lost to Mashonaland East last year in the national finals played in Bulawayo.
This year, the school has featured in this year’s provincial finals as defending champions.
Matione was in Pool B together with another Chipinge school, St Peters, Nyanga and Buhera.
In their first match, they drew 0-0 with Nyanga before beating St Peters 1-0. Matione dismissed Buhera 3-1 in their final group match.
Matione qualified for the semis on second position and clashed against Mutare District where they won 3-0 on penalties.
In the finals, Matione met fellow brothers St Peters which they beat 4-2 on penalties to be crowned Manicaland champions for the second time.
Matione coach, Shadreck Mhlanga said their final match was very tough. He also hinted that this year’s winners will have an opportunity to play in the regional COSASA games.
“The final against St Peters was very tough. We managed to hold them in both the first and second halves and the match ended in a nil all draw. We played sudden death extra time then headed to penalty shootout where we won 4-2,” he said.
Mhlanga said Matione is camping in Rusape before traveling to Harare for the national finals.
“We are preparing for the national finals. We are in Rusape where we will be camping before we travel to Harare. We have to sail through because this year the winners will represent Zimbabwe at the regional COSASA games. We have beefed up our squad with two players from other schools so that we assemble a strong side,” he said.
In the girls’ category, Checheche drew 0-0 with Buhera before dismissing Chimanimani 2-0. They went on to beat Makoni 1-0 in Pool 2 with 7 points. Buhera came second with 5 points and the two proceeded to the semis.
In the semi final, Checheche beat Mutasa 2-0 to book a berth with Mutare whom they dismissed 2-0.
Checheche Primary School headmaster Manasa Gandi said his girls displayed good football throughout the tournament.
“The Checheche mighty warriors displayed very entertaining, offensive football. They kept the spectators on edges of their chairs because of wonderful skills they displayed. Mirriam Gwenzi, Munashe Macheza and Angeline Mapfumo were a marvel to watch. If Checheche girls continue from where they left, it would not be surprising to see them lifting the coverted National Championship trophy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chipinge businessman Innocent Mlilo who is also ZIFA Manicaland Provincial fixtures secretary hosted a party for Matione Primary School on Monday.
“As a local businessman, you pay back to the community. I am happy for the boys and as ZIFA we are proud of them. This is where talent is nurtured. We hope they will bring the national trophy here in Manicaland,” he said.
