Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Tinashe Balakasi scored his 32nd goal of the season as he led Simba Bhora to a 2-1 victory over Green Fuel in the inaugural inter-regional Champion of Champions soccer match at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva this Saturday.
It was a first for the Kings of Division One, Simba Bhora who won the Northern Region battle against Greenfuel that romped to victory in the Eastern Region.
The match was also special in the fact that it pitted two coaches Lloyd Mutasa and Arthur Tutani who have managed to guide three teams each to gain promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
Shamva-based Simba Bhora were off the blocks quicker and it was no surprise as Tinashe Balakasi found the back of the net in the 11th minute for his 32nd goal in 36 matches this season.
The goal spurred the Lloyd Mutasa-coached side into action and they restored parity in the 38th minute and the two sides would go to the breather at one-all.
The second half was a see-saw affair which was finally won by Simba Bhora after Constantine Tinape got the winner in the 78th minute.
The victory pleased the home team.
Simba Bhora assistant coach, Paul Chimalizeni was ecstatic, “We are happy with the victory. It means so much now that we have managed to conquer all the divisions and it gives us confidence ahead of our campaign in the PSL.”
Mutasa was humble in defeat.
“We played well and the better team on the day won but I am happy with our performance,” noted Mutasa.
The two teams now await the start of the 2023 Premier Soccer League season to have a taste of their new status.
