The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge correspondent
MATIONE and Checheche primary schools from Chipinge Distirct are representing Manicaland Province in the boys and girls categories respectively at the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) Under-14 soccer national finals slated for today and tomorrow in Harare.
Both schools came out tops in the provincial finals which were held in Chipinge last week to determine who progresses to the national finals.
Matione, who are representing Manicaland for the second time, lost to Mashonaland East last year in the national finals played in Bulawayo.
The school featured in this year’s provincial finals as defending champions.
Matione Primary School coach Shadreck Mhlanga expressed optimism that they can go all the way and be crowned national champions.
“We are raring to go after progressing from the tough provincial finals last week. The teams is geared for the national finals in Harare and we want to bring the gold medals to Manicaland. We held week-long training preparations in Rusape and have assembled a very strong side. We are keen for a podium finish because this year’s winners will represent Zimbabwe at the regional COSASA game,” he said.
Matione progressed to the finals after outclassing others schools from Chipinge, Nyanga and Buhera in Pool B.
In their first match, they drew 0-0 with Nyanga before beating St Peter’s 1-0.
They dismissed Buhera 3-1 in their final Group B match.
Matione qualified for the semi-finals as runners-up and walloped Mutare District 3-0 on penalties.
They beat St Peter’s 4-2 on penalties to be crowned Manicaland provincial champions for the second time running and qualify for the national finals.
In the girls category, Checheche Primary School drew 0-0 with Buhera before dismissing Chimanimani 2-0.
They went on to beat Makoni 1-0 to finish on top of their group with seven points.
Buhera came second with five points to proceeded to the semis-finals.
Checheche beat Mutasa 2-0 to book a berth with Mutare in the final.
They dismissed them by an identical 2-0 scoreline.
Checheche Primary School headmaster Manasa Gandi said the girls displayed good football throughout the tournament.
“The Checheche Primary School girls displayed very entertaining, offensive football. They kept the spectators on the edges of their seats because of the wonderful skills they displayed. Mirriam Gwenzi, Munashe Macheza and Angeline Mapfumo were a marvel to watch. If they continue from where they have left, it would not be surprising to see them lifting the coveted national championships trophy,” he said.
Meanwhile Chipinge businessman Innocent Mlilo, who is also ZIFA Manicaland provincial fixtures secretary, commended Matione Primary School for continuing to excel in the game.
“As a local businessman, I am ploughing back into the community. I am happy for the boys and as Zifa we are proud of them. This is where talent identification begins. We hope they will bring the national trophy here to Manicaland,” he said.
