FSSL Paynet Cup Tournament: Day 2 in Pictures

CBZ Holdings Soccer Team, also known as the “Kwana Kwana Boys,” weathered an early onslaught by FBC Moola to achieve their first FSSL Paynet Cup triumph through a second half penalty converted by Simbarashe “Banse” Gandiwa. Within the opening three minutes of the match, Joseph Mwale, the pint-sized CBZ goalkeeper was called to make a crucial save after Richard Mangenda connected a cross by Andrew Chiguvare from the left flank.

FBC had appeared not to have their mojo against ZB Bank in their semi-final match, but against CBZ, they raised their game and play was restricted to their opponent’s half in the early stages of the game. Captain Norbert Mhike, who is also the current FSSL Secretary General, was however unyielding at the back having switched from an attacking role in earlier matches. CBZ grew in confidence and orchestrated a number of quick counter-attacks and from one such foray, their gunman Chris Nazare broke free but outstanding FBC goalie Setfree “Gumbura” Kachali was equal to the task.

Decisive Goal

After a goalless first half, the two teams continued to size each other in the second stanza and just as they contemplated going all the way to the penalty lottery, an opportunity presented itself for CBZ to draw first blood. Leon Dodzo made a threatening run and was fouled inside the box. Class 2 referee Emmanuel Mindozo, who was close to the action, did not hesitate to point at the spot and up stepped the lanky Banse to score what was to be the decisive goal of the afternoon. Play became scrappy after the goal, with CBZ appearing content to run down the clock, encouraged by their vociferous supporters led by Chairman Tafadzwa Hamandishe and patron Calvin Shara. CBZ coach Givemore Madzeka, formerly a Black Rhinos striker, attributed the triumph to teamwork and hard work. CBZ were semi-finalists in the 2017 edition of the Paynet Cup.

Road to the Finals

On the road to the finals, CBZ won two games in Group A against the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and Minerva. Despite a loss to Stanbic, they still emerged group winners on superior goal difference, ahead of Minerva and Stanbic who had the same number of points. The eventual winners went on to dismiss Agribank 4-3 on penalties in the quarter finals before accounting for 2018 FSSL champions CABS 7-6,  again on penalties.

Meanwhile, the Stanbic ladies team lost 2-3 to the FBC ladies team in the challenge match which replaced the men’s third place play-off, in an effort to promote women soccer.

Individual Award Winners

Despite missing a penalty in the game against Stanbic, Captain Norbert Thulani Mhike was crowned Player of the Tournament, to put the cherry on top of CBZ’s cup triumph. Other individual award winners were Victor Matare of ZB Life who won the Golden Boot Award while Setfree Kachali was the safest pair of hands at this year’s tournament and took home the Golden Glove Award.

Some Facts and Figures

• The only teams not to concede goals during the tournament were Stanchart and ZB Bank, which were ironically in the same group (Group B)
• Eventual winners CBZ and last year’s winners ZB Life scored the highest number of goals (6) while Metbank was the only team not to score a goal
• RBZ conceded the highest number of goals (9) followed by debutants Metbank (8)
• Four out of the six matches of the elimination stages were decided by penalty shootouts while two were settled in open play. ©MFSB Sport

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