Chidyamakono retains Copa girls crown

CHIDYAMAKONO Secondary School put up a stellar performance to retain the Copa Coca-Cola girls football title for the third time as they beat St Francis and St Clare High School of Mashonaland Central 1-0 in the final at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

BY THANDIWE MOYO

Sarah Nyambanga scored the only goal in the final.

St Francis made one tactical change in the second half when they brought in substitute goalkeeper Merilyn Mangena with first choice Precious Mudyiwa going infield to play an attacking midfield role.

Although Mudyiwa’s introduction changed the game it was a little too late as Chidyamakono held on to a famous win to defend their crown.

For Chidyamakono captain Beauty Hlathini, it was victory from the start.

“We knew when we started playing that we were going to retain the championship. We are very happy that we have won it for the third time,” she said.

Coach Yeukai Chiruvu said: “It was a tough match because at first they were dominating. We worked hard for us to win the match and retain the championship.”

Former Mighty Warriors captain Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo said women’s football standards were improving.

“It was a tough match and the standards are improving. There are a number of players that I identified that can make the grade for the Mighty Warriors,” she said.

She said what is left is for schools to compliment the players by forming leagues and play throughout the year. Moyo said the fact that St Francis had reached the final meant that they are one of the best.