By McGeorge Mbare
Zezani High School 1-1 Nkankezi
Penalties: Zezani 2-3 Nkankezi
There was heartbreak for Zezani High School as they lost 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the Matabeleland South Provincial NASH 2026 final against Insiza district side Nkankezi on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
Zezani High School sports master George Mageleza confirmed the defeat.
“Our girls lost the final in a penalty shootout against Insiza side Nkankezi, despite playing good football,” Mageleza said.
Nkankezi Secondary School went ahead with an early goal in the first half before Zezani High School’s Shama Mbedzi scored the equaliser, her second goal of the tournament. The match then went to a penalty shootout.
Nkankezi converted 3 penalties while Zezani scored 2. Zezani’s other 2 penalties sailed over the crossbar.
On their journey to the final, hosts Zezani High School came through Group A, securing identical 1-0 wins against Mzimuni High School and Bezha Secondary School to book a semi-final spot against Malungudzi.
Zezani High School faced Malungudzi in the semi-final and it ended 0-0 before Zezani secured a 3-0 victory in the penalty shootout.
Nkankezi booked their place after defeating Minda High School and Bengo Secondary School in the group stages. Nkankezi went on to defeat Empandeni 4-2 in the penalty shootout in the semi-final to set up a final with hosts Zezani High School and secure back to back penalties victories.
Following Beitbridge side Nuli High School, who won NASH in 2025, Matabeleland South now has a new champion in Nkankezi, who will represent the province at the national championships.
For the third consecutive year, Matabeleland South has produced three different provincial champions. Two of them were from Beitbridge proudly Nuli and Siyoka. The 2026 title now goes to Nkankezi Secondary School from Insiza District.