Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sport Reporter
THEY were groomed in the red clay soils of Bubi District in Matabeleland North Province and went on to crush the best schools, famed for having better sporting facilities.
It has been their year and deservedly they have had to be rewarded for their success. This is the story of Somvubu High School’s girls’ Under-16 team, who were crowned champions of the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash), after beating highly-fancied Mpopoma High 1-0 in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province on Friday.
The win, is a first for Matabeleland North. Winning over Mpopoma made it sweeter for the Somvubu girls, as their opponents were favourites, given the level of their players’ pedigree and football philosophy. The victory will be an inspiring tale in Matabeleland North Province, whose schools have performed badly in major tournaments over the years.
Now that they are national champions, Somvubu High’s six players were chosen to be in the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for schools’ national team. In their first group match, Somvubu met Rufaro High of Masvingo and beat them 1-0. They pummelled Mufakose of Harare 4-0 in the next.
Somvubu registered another victory, beating Midlands Province representatives, Manunure High School 1-0, to advance to the semi-finals. They were drawn to play against Danamombe High and they won 2-0 in the semis.
The school’s headmaster, Khumbulani Sibanda said with the win, they are planning to keep the team intact so that the girls continue to do well in upcoming competitions.
“It has been a good year for us and our football teams. We would like to say well done to the Under-16s for taking the national championship. It is indeed a good gesture that will motivate others and also work as an example that it can be done, no matter how tough the circumstances are.
“As a school, we are committed to churn out the best sporting talent that will one day be of good use to the country. We are on that path to excel even more. Six of our Under-16 players are now in the national team for the Caf football schools tournament. It shows that we are capable of playing a part in developing sport in the country,” said Sibanda.
Warriors striker, Prince Dube is a former pupil at the school and they enjoy a twinning relationship with Lobengula Queens who were founded by Sibekiwe Ndlovu two years ago and have former Highlanders Royals player Mukumbuta Ndlovu and Precious Mpala assisting. —NkosieLegend
