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HARARE – Benjamin Marere’s powerful header in the dying moments of the game (81st minute) was enough to see Mwana Africa clinch the inaugural CBZ Cup final in an evenly balanced soccer encounter at Rufaro Stadium last Sunday.
The victory saw Mwana Africa pocket a whopping Z$30 million ((about US$16 500) whilst the losing finalists Chapungu United took home Z$10 million (about US$8 000).
But it was Marere’s header that separated the boys from men when everyone else thought the match would go for extra-time and eventually penalty shoot-out.
Former Hwange overlapping defender, Milos Phiri, released a tantalising cross from the right, which was perfectly met with a powerful header by Marere to beat all systems out for the Chapungu goalminder, Edmore Sibanda.
The goal by Marere immediately killed the zeal and zest out of the Airforce of Zimbabwe players, who were making some threatening raids at their opponent’s goal area, but lacked the final instinct.
Mwana Africa would now represent
The Bindura based gold and nickel miners, who are being coached by former Warriors’ enterprising midfielder, Highlanders and Lancashire Steel head coach, Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo made history by becoming the second club from outside Harare and Bulawayo to win such a biggest tournament in the land after Masvingo United, who won the ZIFA tournament before being relegated to division one some four years ago.
Other premiership clubs from outside
However, Chapungu United played their hearts out with Phillip Marufu threatening to cancel Marere’s solitary goal when his effort from close header narrowly missed target with Mwana Africa goalkeeper off guard.
As that was not enough, another Chapungu United striker, Clement Mugari beat two Mwana Africa defenders before being hacked down, but referee Tendai Bwanya turned down the penalty appeals.
Team Line-ups
Mwana Africa:
L. Makwavarara, C. Maradzike, A. Mdelemani, A. Kondowe, B. Marere, C. Tsodzo, T. Mwarura, M. Phiri, T. Svesve, D. Kamunenga (W. Muronda 61st minute), P. Titus.