By Maybe Phiri
THE Beitbridge duo of Skedza FC U14 boys and Vhembe Stars Academy Queens U16 have qualified for the national ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup after being crowned Matebeleland South youth champions.
Vhembe Stars Academy Queens U16 secured their place in the national competition after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Collen Bawn in the provincial final away from home.
Skedza Academy U14 boys secured their spot after defeating the Vhembe Stars Academy boys’ side 5-3 at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
The two Beitbridge teams are flying the border town’s flag high while also preparing to represent Matebeleland South province on the national stage.
The Beitbridge sides will now face some of the best youth teams from other provinces as they aim to make their mark at the national level.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Vhembe Stars Academy Queens coach Scara Bhegede praised his players for their impressive performances throughout their journey to the national competition.
“In our provincial final, we played very well. When you look at the previous match, we created 16 chances and only scored one in the first half. In the second half, we did better in terms of capitalising on our chances and scoring four goals,” Bhegede said.
Speaking about his team’s preparations for the national competition, Bhegede said his players were ready for the challenge but needed additional training to ensure they could compete at the highest level and produce positive results.
He is working to improve the team’s fitness while maintaining their winning momentum.
The Munhumutapa Cup provides a platform for youth teams from across the country to showcase their best talent and compete against some of the country’s top young players.
Vhembe Stars Academy Queens and Skedza Academy will now represent Matebeleland South in the youth competition, joining senior side Blanket Mine as the province’s representatives in the competition.
Blanket Mine senior men’s team are currenlty in the quarterfinal vying to upset FC Platinum and make the Central Region Soccer League and the Matebeleland fans proud.