Aspire Academy lift Yapa football tourney

Sport
Aspire Football Academy beat Black Rhinos 7-6 after a penalty shootout to lift the inaugural Yapa Bakery Under-16 tournament at Norton’s Ngoni Stadium yesterday.

Aspire Football Academy beat Black Rhinos 7-6 after a penalty shootout to lift the inaugural Yapa Bakery Under-16 tournament at Norton’s Ngoni Stadium yesterday.

BY Albert Marufu

The two teams had played a goalless draw in regulation time. Aspire Academy goalkeeper Tafadzwa Chigwida was voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament while his team-mate Martin Phiri shared the Golden Boot Award with Black Rhinos Martin Mafulirwa.

The two players had scored four goals each.

Tino Chiwashira emerged as the Player of the Tournament while Duncan Milanzi was voted Coach of the Tournament.

Zifa board member development John Phiri, who graced the event, expressed satisfaction with the level of talent but said more needed to be done to guard against age cheating in junior football.

“There is need to vet these youngsters in future to avoid the use of over-aged players. With sponsors like Yapa, the future looks bright,” Phiri said.

Phiri added that Zifa should come in and assist the players with proper kits.

“It’s so sad to note that some players do not have proper kits. The state of stadiums is something that Zifa also need to look into. The pitches are not good at all,” he added.

Tournament coordinator Vengai Tinarwo said more tournaments of this nature should be staged.

“I am impressed with the turnout of teams and the level of discipline. We hope to stage another tournament at national level with the same sponsor. I was however disappointed by the absence of premiership coaches. This is where talent is identified,” he said.

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