Tshibvumo Football Academy must have wondered what they had done wrong to the football gods to deserve such harsh punishment when they lost 9-8 on penalties to Mapuloni United Stars in the final of the Easter Weekend Football Tournament, which was played at the Tshakhumba Grounds on Good Friday (7th).
The final match started very late because of logistical challenges, and some players could not see well during the penalty shootout as it was getting dark.
Tshibvumo Football Academy had their opponents with their backs against the wall from the first whistle, dishing out top-shelf football, but their undoing was trying to walk the ball into the net. Mapuloni FC's goalkeeper, Mashudu Slaga, was also in a class of his own, saving several goal-bound shots taken from close range.
Tshibvumo's central midfielder, Sibusi Ndou, left winger Muvhuso Rambuda and striker Takuwani Makatu were a marvel to watch. They had their opponents running for cover when attacking, but instead of shooting for goal when in good scoring positions, they wanted to walk the ball into the net, which was not possible as Mapuloni United Stars were playing defensive football and deployed at least six players at the back. The scoresheet was still blank at the break.
In the second half, Tshibvumo continued to dominate the game but was very wasteful. In the 67th minute, Muvhuso Nedzanani dribbled past three defenders before passing the ball to Omphulusa Nemakhavhani, who had only the keeper to beat, but he miraculously hoofed the ball over the bar.
The teams played to a 1-all draw and had to take penalties to decide the winner. The underdogs, Mapuloni United Stars, won the penalty shootout 9-8.
After the game, the coach of Tshibvumo Football Academy, Mr Mashudu "Kenya" Lidovho, said that his players had played very well during the game. "I can't blame my players for losing the final today. Lady luck was not on our side. I also realised that we need a target man upfront. We created a lot of chances, but failed to bury at least one of them," he said.