Mehluli Sibanda

INDUBA Primary School from Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb are this year’s champions of the Ingwebu Breweries sponsored inter-primary schools soccer tournament after they overcame Mkhalipe from Gwanda 1-0 in the final played at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda last Friday.

Mkhalipe completely dominated the first half but their efforts were thwarted by some brilliant goal keeping from Induba goalkeeper Matthew Nhenga who made a number of brilliant saves. Induba scored the only goal of the match three minutes before the break when Njabulo Mkhwananzi struck a brilliant left footer which gave the Mkhalipe goalkeeper no chance.

On their way to the final, Induba thrashed Matabeleland South champions Makhubu 4-0 while Mkhalipe, runners up in Matabeleland South defeated Matabeleland North winners Mahlothova 2-1 in the other semi-final. In the third place play off, Makhubu won 4-2 on penalties over Mahlothova after the match had ended 0-0 in normal time.

Induba were presented with a trophy and US$2 000 by the Ingwebu Breweries managing director Reginald Ndlovu. Mkhalipe were rewarded US$1 500 while    US$1 000 went to Makhubu and Mahlothova received US$800.

Pint-sized Rangarirai Dewa from Induba, a marvel to watch throughout the final, was adjudged the man of the match and took home US$50 with Mthokozisi Ndlovu finishing as the top goalscorer on the day with three goals, all scored against Makhubu for a reward of US$50.

Competing at the tournament were teams from Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North with finals in each of the three provinces, which culminated with the grand finale last Friday. Their respective champions represented each province with Matabeleland South having two schools by virtue of being the host province for the finals.