The newly formed Tshakhuma Project FC proved all the critics wrong by winning the Tshakhuma Off-season Soccer Tournament at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Saturday.
Three teams, Tshakhuma Project FC, Mutsha Atlantis Stars and Valdezia FC, took part in the one-day event. Tshakhuma beat Valdezia 2-1 in the final.
The game was lukewarm in the first 10 minutes as the teams took their time to study each other's weak and strong points. Realising that there was nothing to fear, the home side took the game to the visitors as the first half approached the halfway mark. They opened their account in the 20th minute. Fhatuwani Mudau won the ball in the 35-meter area and ran straight to the right corner, from where he dished a square pass. Phathutshedzo Raseluma, who was in the perfect scoring position, hooked in the ball. Ndivhuwo "Rooney" Makhado of Tshakhuma was reprimanded with a card in the 29th minute for making a false call.
Valdezia regrouped from behind and pressed hard in their search for the equalizer, but the score line remained unchanged until the proceedings for the first half came to an end.
Tshakhuma increased the lead in the 55th minute. Fhatuwani Mudau dribbled past two defenders in a row and beat the keeper with a ground cutter. Valdezia pulled one back in the 69th minute. They were awarded a penalty after Mpho Mufamadi was brought down within the box. Frankie Baloyi blasted in a rocket from the white spot.
Valdezia were reduced to 10 men late in the game. Norman Shivambu was given his marching orders, following an illegal tackle on Mulalo Mukhithi.
Tshakhuma were presented with a cash prize of R4 500 after the game. Valdezia and Atlantis Stars went back with empty hands as it was a winner-takes-all tournament.