ASHER MOYO
SPORTS REPORTER
PRETORIA-Zimbabwe soccer team have been crowned the 2023 SADC Prisons and Correctional Services games champions after beating Zambia 4-2 on penalties this afternoon in the finals played in Pretoria, South Africa.
The match ended in a nil all stalemate after 90 minutes and the two sides headed for the dreaded penalty shootout.
Zimbabwe got their goals through Justin Gadzani, on fire Albert Matewu, Mishack Shonga and Takudzwa Jukulile .
A total of five countries took part in the games; hosts South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe had a slow start after losing 2:1 to hosts South Africa in their opening match before drawing 1 all on Tuesday with Zambia.
Zimbabwe dismissed Namibia 3:0 courtesy of Motion Muponda, Malvern Dumbura, and Albert Matewu goals.
The Luke Petros coached side went on to dismiss Botswana 1-0. Albert Matewu was again on target for the Zimbabwe side.
Yesterday, Zimbabwe booked their berth in the finals after a 2-1 victory over Botswana.
Two goals from Takunda Mapara and Baggio Shome were enough to dump Botswana out of the tournament.
For their efforts, Zimbabwe pocketed US$25 000 while Zambia got US$13 000.
Zimbabwe captain Raymond Horonga was voted player of the tournament.
Petros said he is happy with the victory.
“I am very happy with the victory today. The boys played well. I’m proud of them and they have raised our flag high,” said the Lancashire Steel FC yesteryear hit man.
Petros whose side Tenax FC is on second position in the ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League said after the South Africa tournament, his team will be ready for the second half of the season
ERSL took three weeks break to pave way for the SADC games and elections. The league will bounce back on September 2.
“In the second half we promise to do better than we did in the first half. That is winning games. That’s our second half target,” he said.
