INLINE Academy coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda believes her team will head into this morning’s NetOne women football final match against Black Rhinos as underdogs, but says that tag could just suit them in this encounter.
HENRY MHARA
The match, which had been postponed on numerous occasions, will finally kick off at 10am at Rufaro Stadium today.
The final will kick-start the National Women Super League which bounces back after a year’s hiatus. Rhinos are clear favourites to win the final after their good run in winning the inaugural women Super League in 2012, where they amassed 47 points and scoring an incredible 79 goals.
The Bulawayo-based Inline finished eight points behind the champions.
The two teams’ encounters in that season were closely fought; the first leg played in Bulawayo finished 0-0 and the reverse fixture was a seven-goal thriller, with Rhinos narrowly winning the match 4-3.
“They are the favourites to win the match and we are the underdogs, but I think that could work in our favour,” said Kwinji 15 yesterday.
“I think they have a lot of pressure to win the match because they are the champions but we are ready for them and may the best team of the day win,” she added.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Inline boasts in their squad Mighty Warriors players in star striker Rudo Neshamba, gritty defender Nobuhle Majika, Rejoice Kamupfumvuti and Rhoda Jongondi.
“It’s not about those individuals, but at Inline we work as a team and anyone from the team can carry the day for us,” said Kwinji 15.
Rhinos themselves are a very good side, littered with star players, most of them who make the backbone of the national team. Top of the list is Rutendo Makore who contributed an incredible 33 goals to the 90 his side scored in the league to win the league’s golden boot award.
Besides Makore, the Waddington Chinyanganya-coached side also has players such as Kuda Bhasopo, Rufaro Machingura, Talent Mandaza and Violet Bepete who are all capable of causing trouble for Inline.
Today’s winner go home $8 000 richer while the losing team will get a $5000 consolation.
Semi-finalists Mufakose Queens and Cyclone are set to pocket $3 000 for reaching the last four while the quarter-finalists were each given $1 000.
The player who impressed the most through-out the tournament and the top goal scorer after today’s match, will also be rewarded.
