The Sunday News
INGWEBU were crowned the 2015 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair National Champions after defeating defending champions Mutare Board and Paper Mills.
The Ingwebu Breweries sponsored tournament was staged at the main ZITF Arena with over 15 teams participating.
This year’s dose was the biggest in the history of the tournament as there was also a female category which had nine teams battling for supremancy.
In the female section, Mambo Stars were crowned champions after defeating Zesa Bulawayo in all rounds.
Ingwebu walked away with $1 800 while runners-up Mutare Board and Paper Mills got $1 500. As this was a debut performance on the national stage for the females’ teams, the prize money for the female winners was $400.
Roy Mahlinza the head coach of this year’s champions paid tribute to his players saying they did well to defeat a team which has been giving them problems over the years.
“All credit goes to the players who staged an outstanding performance against a team which is known as a powerhouse for many years now,” said Mahlinza.
Ingwebu Breweries spokesperson Nkosana Ndlovu said the tournament will embrace a regional outlook next year with teams from Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi and Mozambique, being main targets.
“As the sport is growing, next year the tourney will be staged as a regional tournament where there will be neighbouring countries participating in the championships,” he said.
Meanwhile, the national tug-of-war team which is ranked number two in Africa will leave for Pretoria, South Africa for the All Africa Tag of War Games which are pencilled for 4 and 5 June.
