Mzilikazi High School and Malborough High School are through to the NASH Under-17 National finals set for early August.
Don Makanyanga
The two schools booked their places for the national finals after coming out tops in the first set of two provincial finals played in Bulawayo and Harare respectively on Friday.
Mzilkazi went into the provincial finals as favourites as they sought to defend their title and got off their title defence in style, topping Pool B with nine points at the event that took place at Gifford High School.
Having led the pool B, the perenial Bulawayo giants booked a place into the semi-finals, with Christian Brothers College (CBC) thrashing the Christian boys 5-1, setting a date with Emtumbane in the final. Mzilikazi continued with a fine display, beating Emtumbane 2-0.
Mzilkazi High coach Albesert Tarwirei was elated with booking a final berth in the national finals and praised his charges for showing character over a 100% winning record during the games.
“Our secret to success today was team spirit and endurance. I am happy that we did not face Sobhukazi in the final because they have always been our bogey side and now our target is to bring the trophy to Bulawayo after we learnt some lessons during last year’s national finals,” said Tarwirei.
Meanwhile, in the Harare provincial finals Marlborough booked a place at the national finals after edging rivals Lord Malvern 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
