By Prince Chese
Vhembe Stars Academy (1) 2 FC Platinum U19 0
VHEMBE Stars Academy FC secured their first win in the Central Region Division 1 league after dismissing a fighting FC Platinum U19 2–0 in a youth match on Sunday at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
The smart boys of Beitbridge may have been waiting for the ceremonial theatre of soccer in front of singing home fans to claim the scalp of their agemates in a match where every minute had something to see.
It was a duel of boys that washed away a hot afternoon with football skills of tomorrow that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
It was rare to see the ball in the air as both teams settled for lovely carpet soccer and exchanges of passes were a marvel brewed by young blood.
If soccer has a see-saw, here was one played near the great Limpopo River where FC Platinum failed to secure enough papers to cross the Vhembe border and on the other side Vhembe had its “documents” stamped twice for goals.
The match will live long in soccer lovers’ memories as it exhibited same age boys who obviously will claim the soccer spaces of coming years.
Few matches come like this, and fans will hope this match dictates what they see in future – total football, triangles, build ups, sweeping keepers – a proper soccer meal.
The home side showed confidence from the start, dominating the first half with accurate passing and strong ball control. Their early pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Davis Nyamukondiwa was fouled inside the penalty box. Taitos Nyakura stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give Vhembe a 1–0 lead.
Vhembe returned from the break with even more energy and determination.
Their efforts were rewarded when Tawanda Chikudza scored a stunning free kick from the far left, doubling the lead and putting the game beyond reach for FC Platinum U19.
In the later stages of the match, Vhembe made tactical substitutions, introducing Peace Makuvaza and Denzel Tadyanemandu around the 75th minute to maintain control and secure the result until the final whistle.
Assistant coach Paul Mugabiri told Ziyah News Network that, the first win was an important step in their Division 1 campaign. He also thanked the fans for their support, noting it played a role in motivating the players.
FC Platinum U19 head coach Moses Mwafulirwa accepted the defeat, saying the result would help his team identify mistakes and improve in future matches.