Makepekepe Crowned Football Kings Of Zimbabwe

It took the courage of Simba Nhivi in the 4th minute to tap it home sending the Green Machine to the African Safari as the goal stood up to full time.

VA GADENI IN GWERU

CAPS United from the onset showed their intentions with veteran Leonard Tsipa missing the target with an inch in the opening minute off a Phineas Bhamusi delivery.

The game continued and a solo run by Tafadzwa Rusike on the flank saw him sending an inviting cross into the box finding Tsipa who then roasted Blessing Zabula before unleashing a low shot that was cleared off the line by Gift Phiri but the poor clearance was met with Simba Nhivi who made no mistake but placed it into the nets to put the visitors on the driving seat.

Wild celebrations ensued in the Eastern bays occupied by the United.

The match continued with action swinging from end to end as the home side pressing for an equalizer which proved to be futile.

Makepekepe nearly doubled the lead in the 40th minute but Nhivi’s effort off a Edmore Sibanda free kick was ruled offside.

Chapungu, with a little bit of luck could have leveled the matters at Ascot but Philip Marufu’s rising shot sent Edmore Sibanda, in goals for CAPS United, airborne to keep the home side at bay before the referee of the day, Brighton Chimene, blew his whistle to mark the end of the opening 45 minutes.

On thr resumption of the last half, Chapungu coach, John Nyikadzino made 3 substitutions in a space of 10 minutes.

United continued to pile pressure but the insurance goal could not come forward with the battle being confined to the midfield.

Chapungu tried launching counter attacks but the organized Makepekepe rear guard of Hardlife Zvirekwi, Stephen Makatuka, Denis Dauda and Ronald Pfumbidzai thwarted all the raids to ensure they remained on top of the situation.

Just after the one hour mark, Lloyd Chitembwe was forced to make an injury inspired substitution by pulling out limping Tafadzwa Rusike and bringing in Kudzai Nyamupfukudza.

His introduction brought more stability on the Makepekepe midfield that was under the command of Devon Chafa who was having a relatively good day in the office.

On the 80th minute, Tsipa was relegated to the bench in preference of Dominic Chungwa whose introduction however did not have an impact on the score board.

United pilled more pressure in the dying minutes and two minutes were added as injury time but Chapungu could not rectify the damage as Nhivi had already done it.

At the end of 92 minutes Brighton Chimene blew his whistle to mark the end of this year’s campaign with Makepekepe taking the grand prize.

Wildest celebrations ignited as the fans invaded into the pitch joining the players in rejoicing as they had brought an end to the championship drought.

After the celebrations, Lloyd Chitembwe was at loss of words.

“I can’t believe it. It’s a dream come true,” he said.

“We worked for it and our plan worked well in our favour,” he added.

His opposite number John Nyikadzino, didn’t have much to say.

“Congratulations to CAPS United for winning the championship. We had our chances but could not utilise them, they had theirs and buried it,” he added.

CAPS United together with Ngezi Platinum will represent Zimbabwe in the African Safari next year.

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