By McGeorge Mbare
BEITBRIDGE district U20 NASH 2026 champions Tongwe High School secured a 3-2 victory against Bengo in a penalty shootout in the Matabeleland South provincial NASH Competitions 2026 final to be crowned champions and successfully defend their title.
Tongwe were crowned provincial champions at Kafusi Secondary school on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Tongwe High School and Bengo finished full time at 0-0 before heading into a penalty shootout, which Tongwe won 3-2.
Tongwe High School goalkeeper Selector Mutenda, who also plays his professional football for Vhembe Stars Academy, saved 2 crucial penalties to send Tongwe to the nationals.
Goalkeeper Selector Mutenda, midfielder Brian Ndlovu, and defender Joseph Ngwenya, who all play their professional football for Vhembe Stars Academy, played crucial roles in helping their team secure a national spot.
The victory extended Tongwe’s dominant run in the Matabeleland South provincial NASH U20 championship.
On their road to the final, Tongwe recorded two identical 1-0 victories in Group B against Gwanda High and Dombodema.
In the semi-final, they defeated Dekezi 5-4 in a bravely fought penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regular time, to book a final date with Bengo. They then won the final 3-2 in the shootout.
Meanwhile, Bengo Secondary School featured in Group C, defeating Bezha 2-0 before playing to a 1-1 draw against Dekezi.
Bengo won the semi-final against Bulu Secondary School 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time to book a final date against Beitbridge side Tongwe High School.
Emmanuel Ramakgapola, Tongwe High School director and coach, expressed gratitude to the U20 boys’ team after being crowned back-to-back Matabeleland South provincial champions.
“Congratulations to the boys, they did very well to defend their title. The challenge now lies in the national championship and to go there and excel,” Ramakgapola said.
In their 2025 national campaign, Tongwe High School were defeated in the NASH U20 national group stages. They will now look to change the course of history and secure a knockout stage berth in 2026.